Duffy sets sights on a return

Forward Max Duffy says he is aiming to win more of his own ball after adding bulk in the gym as he strives to break back into Fremantle’s line-up.

After recovering from post-season surgery on his left shoulder, Duffy has added 5kg to his frame and now weighs about 82kg.

He said he was relishing finally being injury-free at a time when he looms as a potential selection option for Sunday’s western derby to replace the suspended Hayden Ballantyne.

Duffy, who turned 22 last Saturday, forced his way into Fremantle’s side in 2014, kicking two goals on debut as the substitute against Geelong. He was dropped after two matches.

After he was drafted in 2012, Duffy’s first two years at the Dockers were curtailed by shoulder and hamstring injuries.

Duffy said coach Ross Lyon had charged him with improving the defensive side of his game and his ability to win contested ball.

“I’m really happy just to be injury-free at the moment,” Duffy said.

“There’s been a few injuries over the last few years and just to get a bit of consistency in my footy, hopefully it’ll start to pay off. But I’m happy.

“I had surgery on my shoulder in the off-season, but I managed to get a full pre-season in and I’m 100 per cent. Hopefully I can start putting some good efforts together.

“I’m starting to put a bit of size on in the gym and will hopefully start winning my own footy a lot more.”

Duffy showcased his turn of speed and goal-kicking ability in his AFL debut.

But his work on developing other parts of his game at WAFL affiliate Peel Thunder so far this year was clear last Saturday against Perth at Lathlain Park.

Fourteen of the forward’s 22 disposals were handballs, with a number of possessions won under pressure.

“It was fantastic to get the opportunities last year,” Duffy said. “I really learnt a lot and I’ve really started to develop over the three years now that I’ve been at Fremantle.”