Alignment provides opportunity for Thunder five

James Ewing gets a handball away at Training - Image: Fremantle Football Club

While the alignment may be oft maligned throughout the wider WA football public, it has and will continue to provide an excellent opportunity for several of the club’s younger and inexperienced players.

Over the next few weeks Thunder players, Tyrone Thorne, Jonathon Ietto, Michael Randall, Jack Sears and James Ewing will all be able to test their skills and see how they measure up as they take part in match simulation training with the Fremantle Football Club.

Jono Ietto taking part in Freo Training - Image: Fremantle Football Club

“It’s an incredible opportunity for some of our younger players that haven’t had the opportunity to be on an AFL list and have brought a great attitude and had great pre-season’s so far.” Shepherd said.

Shepherd was also impressed by the organisation and commitment his players showed just to get to training with all five players spread from Eaton to Rockingham, they all made it to training together on time by carpooling. 

From all reports they all held their own out on the track too, with each player making an impact and holding their own.

Tyrone Thorne had some good touches, with both himself and another former Colt Jonathon Ietto taking turns on Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe. Both Jack Sears and James Ewing were used down back and split their time playing on Michael Randall, Thorne and 2019 Tuckey Medallist Bailey Banfield.

Tyrone Thorne spots a kick at Freo Training - Image: Fremantle Football Club

Thunder utlity Jack Sears said he absorbed as much as he could from the experience, and he thought it would be a great help to his development moving forward as a League footballer.

“It was great to be able to run around and rub shoulders with the AFL guys and see the how they go about their business. A great learning experience that I really enjoyed doing” Sears said.

Jack Sears taking part in Freo Training - Image: Fremantle Football Club

The five will continue training with the Fremantle squad for the next few weeks and will all be integral pieces for the Thunder when their 2021 campaign kicking off in a couple months time.