2022 Rookie Draft selection Liam Reidy will finally get his chance in the big time this weekend, coming in for a pivotal Saturday afternoon clash against GWS with finals on the line.
The 204cm 24-year-old is a Melbourne-based product from Beaumaris, who was picked up by Frankston's VFL program before the Dockers took a shot on his talent with pick 13 of the 2022 Rookie Draft.
He has developed in the Peel Thunder WAFL program through 2023 and 2024 thus far, showcasing dominant form in recent weeks with eye-catching performances, including 19 disposals, 54 hit-outs and four tackles in Round 19 against South Fremantle.
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir mentioned Reidy being in consideration for selection in Wednesday's press conference, needing to find an alternative method to replace the impact of their injured tall duo Josh Treacy and Sean Darcy.
the big man is IN! ๐
Liam Reidy will make his debut against GWS this Saturday.#foreverfreo pic.twitter.com/e7LLRriUne
— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) August 15, 2024
While the two talls could not have been injured at a more inconvenient time for the Dockers - two weeks ahead of September action with the tightest finals race in recent memory - Longmuir is using the setback as an opportunity to test the legitimacy of his side in their push for finals.
"It's not ideal, but this is why you have a list of players," he said in Wednesday's presser.
"Players have been waiting for an opportunity all year and a couple have presented in the last few weeks so we get to test some of that depth."
Reidy could be in for a brutal matchup for his first gig in the big time, with Giant Kieran Briggs seemingly set to return from a brief shoulder concern.
Briggs, GWS' man-mountain, will look to capitalise on a size advantage between the two, as both sides battle for their spot in the eight or top four. A win for both is pivotal, and fans out West will be praying the Docker debutant can make some sort of impact at ENGIE Stadium on Saturday.
