South Australian small forward Isaiah Dudley is set to make his AFL debut for Fremantle in Sunday's Western Derby against West Coast.
The 21-year-old was signed by the Dockers via the Supplemental Selection Period just over a month ago and has earned his opportunity after impressing at training and in Peel Thunder's pre-season matches.
Dudley described the past few weeks as a whirlwind.
"It's been pretty crazy and hectic – I never would have thought in a million years that I'd be signed and debuting in a derby," he told Fremantle's media team.
"I was in the gym when the coaches told me, and all the boys were there – it was amazing news and pretty surreal at the same time."
Dudley enjoyed a standout 2024 season in the SANFL, finishing third in Central Districts' best and fairest while averaging over a goal per game.
He was invited to train at the Dockers throughout the pre-season and trial for the vacant list spot after young ruckman Odin Jones was placed on the long-term injury list following spinal surgery for a fractured vertebra.
Dudley's signing was officially announced during a player lunch with the Indigenous All-Stars team on the eve of their pre-season clash at Optus Stadium in February.
A lively forward known for his pressure and goal sense, Dudley has showcased his talent in Peel Thunder's WAFL practice matches, kicking two goals in both outings against Perth and West Coast.
Standing at just 168cm, he is officially the equal shortest player in the AFL alongside North Melbourne's Caleb Daniel.
Football runs in the blood for Dudley – he is the cousin of Melbourne's Kysaiah Pickett and the nephew of Carlton and Adelaide great Eddie Betts.
Since arriving at the club, he has built strong connections with some of Fremantle's other Indigenous stars, including Shai Bolton, Michael Walters, and Quinton Narkle.
"They've been super to me – not just on the field but off the field as well, making me feel comfortable around the club," he said.
"I'm loving spending time with them and the rest of the boys."
Adding to the significance of his debut, Dudley will wear the No.43 jumper previously worn by former Indigenous Dockers defender Roger Hayden, who played 128 games for the club between 2002 and 2011.
"He (Hayden) gives me full confidence to go out there and do what I've been doing my whole footy career," Dudley said.
"It's going to be pretty special to wear that number on an AFL stage once again."
Dudley's teammate Quinton Narkle may also be nearing a debut for the Dockers after showing strong signs for Peel.
The former Geelong and Port Adelaide player had 20 disposals and kicked two goals against West Coast's WAFL team last weekend.
Thunder coach Adam Read complimented the performance of Narkle post-match.
"I thought his class showed – it was really helpful," Read said.
"A lot of our young guys felt the pressure, but when you have those experienced campaigners like Q to be able to withhold and buffer that pressure and have polish, it's so important."
