Fremantle Supplemental Selection Period hopeful Sam Stubbs has continued to turn heads at training as he fights for the last list spot at Cockburn for 2023.
The 25-year-old is one of two trialists at the Dockers this pre-season, joining Gippsland product Liam Serong, the younger brother of Fremantle star Caleb, in training under Justin Longmuir ahead of the home and away season.
Stubbs, who has over 132,000 followers on TikTok as a content creator, has been somewhat of a journeyman in his football career, having played in Western Australia, Victoria and Queensland in recent years.
Currently signed with WAFL outfit Perth, Stubbs has evolved into a powerful medium-sized forward that firms as a strong chance to gain an AFL list spot after an impressive past two seasons at the state league level.
Both he and Serong are pushing for a spot in Longmuir's forward line with just one list spot on offer for 2023, with fellow forward ace Michael Frederick impressed with how the pair have adapted to training at the professional level.
"They're both forwards and they've been sitting around in our line meetings," Frederick told media on Monday.
Sam Stubbs from deep in the pocket ๐ #foreverfreo pic.twitter.com/Gu74pfijqm
— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) January 27, 2023
"Seeing their growth from when they walked in the door to now is pretty good.
"Them having a bit of a taste of what AFL training is like will be pretty good for them, just building confidence."
Stubbs has been particularly impressive through match simulations this pre-season, even booting three goals in the club's most recent scratch match session.
After kicking 40 goals across two seasons with the Demons, Stubbs has shown his attacking traits can translate to the AFL level.
"He can play," Frederick said of the Mt Gravatt product.
"I've seen some of his WAFL highlights... he's not bad at all.
"I guess those two fighting for a spot, hopefully (a decision) comes soon, but it's good to see them two getting a good hitout."
Fremantle have until February 15 to make a call on their list vacancy, needing to decide between either Stubbs or Serong for the season ahead.
The Dockers could opt to hold off on using the rookie position ahead of the season, instead utilising the list flexibility for the Mid-Season Draft.
Fremantle's home and away campaign will commence on Sunday, March 19 against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.