Dockers part ways with veteran defender Nathan Wilson, Tyler Brockman looks to leave Hawks

Jarred Cross
Jarred Cross Published August 31, 2023 at 3.45pm (AWST)

Fremantle will delist veteran half back Nathan Wilson following the end of 2023 after the 30-year-old managed just six senior games in the previous two seasons.

On Thursday the Dockers announced he would not be offered a contract in 2024.

Wilson arrived at the Dockers ahead of the 2018 season after developing into one of the league's best rebound men with GWS.

The Koori and Noongar man was originally recruited to the Giants from WAFL side Peel and made nine appearances in the expansion club's inaugural AFL season.

He spent the majority of the previous two seasons back with Fremantle's reserves outfit after playing the first four games of the Docker's 2023 AFL season.

Wilson averaged 19 disposals for the Thunder, playing every game from round two of the WAFL competition.

He amassed a season high 26 touches and kicked a goal against East Perth in round four.

In April, Wilson was one of a string of Indigenous AFL players to endure online racial abuse in a troubling period for the league.

Fremantle general manager of football Peter Bell gave his wishes to Wilson and fellow-delisted player Travis Coyler on Thursday.

"It's always a tough time of year in the football industry when decisions on our players' careers have to be made, and I'd like to thank both Nathan and Travis for their contributions to Fremantle for the past six and five years respectively," Bell said.

"Their dedication to the Club has never wavered, and this is no more evident in their decision to see the finals series out with Peel as they continue to impart their experience on their younger teammates."

Bell said he hopes to see Wilson win a premiership with the Thunder ahead of the WAFL Finals series.

Peel face Subiaco in the qualifying final on Saturday after finishing the home-and-away season third on the ladder.

"Nathan is proudly a product of the Peel Thunder Football Club, and nothing would make us prouder than to see him finish his time at Fremantle with a Thunder premiership."

Wilson has played 155 AFL matches since his debut in 2012.

The list change follows Liam Henry's decision to search for a new home in 2024 after informing Fremantle of his want for a trade to a Victorian club earlier this week.

The Dockers could fill the hole left by impressive young Hawk Tyler Brockman, who is reportedly searching for a return to his home state.

After weeks of speculation, the 20-year-old is expected to request a trade and part company with Hawthorn.

The WA talent played 15 games for the Hawks in 2023, including a fairytale return with three goals in round 3 against North Melbourne after missing the entirety of last season.

According to reports, the desired move to his home state is for family reasons.

West Coast have presented as the likely frontrunner for his signature, with Freo also a chance to bring him west.

Brockman played 11 games in his debut season through 2021.

He arrived at Hawthorn with the 46th pick in the previous year's draft.

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