Applause has poured in for young Docker Liam Henry after a breakout performance in Fremantle's win over Essendon over the weekend.

Starting on the wing Henry racked up 32 disposals - easily eclipsing his previous best of 21 touches - and propelled Freo's attack with 514 metres gained.

It was career-high in both markers, as well setting a new personal benchmark of eight marks for the match.

High praise came from team mates and other club figures following the best display of Henry's 34-game career.

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir commended the 21-year-old for his effort at contested ball in the 32-point win.

The coach labelled Henry's game a "good reward for effort".

"I think with Liam it's been that consistency. I think we've all seen his really good efforts and moments in games that are really strong," Longmuir said in his post-match press conference.

"He was really good tonight. He has been working really hard on his contest.

"I thought he had some moments in 50/50 balls today, where he marked and regained control for us and he had some moments where he had to take a ground ball and cop the tackle and the pressure coming his way and he got us a stoppage."

Dockers defenders Luke Ryan and Brennan Cox expressed their support for Henry's support down back, while Jaeger O'Meara was all smiles to see his teammate reaping the rewards of high training standards.

"I've been hoping that he'd have a game like that because I think he just needed a little bit of confidence. After that performance - I was sitting on the bench early in the last quarter and I reckon he had eight or nine touches within five minutes," O'Meara told Triple M.

"So it's great for his confidence. He's been working really hard on the track. And yeah, it's no surprise that he's come out and play that way and hopefully that will propel his career forward."

It was Henry's seventh senior game in 2023 after forcing his way back into Freo's 22 via strong performances with WAFL side Peel.

After making a strong impression in his second season with 17 games in 2021, Henry got on the park for just seven games last year.

His tally on Saturday showed there's plenty to come.

Former Docker, Brisbane premiership player and 1998 no.1 draft pick Des Hedland had strong words for some doubters.

"Liam Henry just proved why he plays AFL," Headland wrote to Facebook.

"You mob that bag our brother boy can only dream what he is doing. Plenty of could've beens in our community, unless you've done it, shut your (hole)."

Henry has averaged 17 disposals, five marks and two tackles per game in 2023.

The Dockers sit in 11th spot on the ladder with seven wins, just out of the top eight on percentage.