Docker Grey ready to debut
Emerging Fremantle midfielder Brady Grey hadn't even committed to Australian Rules until 18 months ago.
Now the 18-year-old is pinching himself at being in the mix for an AFL debut in his first season.
Grey was a travelling emergency for Fremantle's round 11 match against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.
He has done his chances of senior promotion against Brisbane at Patersons Stadium on Saturday night no harm after racking up a season-high 26 disposals for WAFL affiliate Peel Thunder last Saturday.
The midfielder committed full time to football only in January last year after being devoted to soccer as a junior.
His 13 matches for Tasmanian club Burnie Dockers were enough to convince Fremantle to select him with pick No.58 in last year's national draft.
Grey said he was trying to fast-track his development by learning from on-ballers Stephen Hill and Nat Fyfe.
"We get to train with them every single day, so I'm trying to take stuff out of their game and put into mine," Grey said.
"But it's a very strong midfield, so at the moment I'm trying to bide my time and keep improving as a player."
Grey was one of five first-year recruits who congratulated 12 inspiring young patients yesterday as part of the 20th annual AJ Diamond Club Bravery Awards.
The ceremony held at the club's Fremantle Oval headquarters recognises sick children who have shown great courage in the wards of the Fremantle, Rockingham, Royal Perth or Armadale-Kelmscott hospitals over the past 12 months.
