Latest news with #SimpsonMedal-winning
West Australian
5 days ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Western Bulldogs watching Fremantle Dockers midfielder Neil Erasmus ahead of trade period
The Western Bulldogs are the latest club keeping a close eye on out-of-favour Fremantle midfielder Neil Erasmus. According to a report, the Bulldogs have interest in the fourth-year midfielder, who has played 10 times for the Dockers this season. Channel 7's Ryan Daniels revealed last month West Coast are watching the Subiaco product's progress. He has played 33 matches for the Dockers since debuting in 2022 but has slipped down in the pecking order behind draft mate Matt Johnson and other midfielders, including Jaeger O'Meara and Nathan O'Driscoll in recent weeks. The 21-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season. According to the Dockers are working to have the midfielder extend his time at the club, but it is understood Erasmus will weigh up opportunity as a major factor in his decision. The Bulldogs this week announced star Marcus Bontempelli has inked a four-year extension, but ageing midfielders Tom Liberatore and Adam Treloar could be close to the end of their careers. Erasmus is a chance to return to the side for Saturday afternoon's western derby clash with the Eagles. Fremantle will weigh him up as a replacement for Johnson, who injured his ankle in Sunday's dramatic win over Collingwood. Fremantle football boss Joe Brierty confirmed he was in the mix after collecting 21 disposals in Peel Thunder's loss to East Fremantle on Saturday. 'There's obviously a number of ways we can structure up the midfield team and allocate some flexibility,' he told SEN. 'Whether that's a Neil Erasmus coming in or Jeremy Sharp, Isaiah Dudley had a strong game. 'He can look to go forward and that can free up some of our forwards to spend some time around the ball. 'There's just a number of ways we can look to have some flexibility in our team.' Erasmus has not played in either of the Dockers' two wins over Hawthorn at Optus Stadium or Collingwood at the MCG. The Subiaco product made the intriguing move to sell a range of his match-worn Fremantle and Thunder merchandise, including the jumper he wore during his Simpson Medal-winning performance in last year's WAFL grand final.
West Australian
22-06-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Fremantle midfielder Neil Erasmus selling several worn guernseys including Peel Thunder jumper
Fremantle midfielder Neil Erasmus is selling several of his player-worn guernseys, including the Peel Thunder one he wore in his Simpson Medal-winning performance last year as his future remains unclear. Erasmus, 21, is selling several signed guernseys through a third party on a Facebook group with some going for as much as $500 as well as several pair of boots. It comes after Channel 7's Ryan Daniels reported that Erasmus is being targeted by cross-town rivals West Coast, with his contract at the Dockers to expire at the end of the season. Amongst the collection is the No.19 guernsey Erasmus wore in the Thunder's 2024 grand final victory over East Perth at Optus Stadium last year. The midfielder was named best-on-ground in the game and awarded the Simpson Medal after collecting 26 disposals, laying 11 tackles and kicking two second quarter goals in the 33-point win against the Royals. 'It's been a long year, but it's been such a good one. It probably hasn't gone the way I wanted it, but what a way to finish,' Erasmus said after winning the medal. 'It's sticking to the process and controlling what I can control, and I'm proud of the way I did that this year.' Erasmus is 'taking offers' for the piece of Peel memorabilia that has clearly not been washed by the photos posted. The Subiaco product has played the past six games for the Dockers, including an impressive outing in the win over Essendon on Thursday night when he recorded a career-high seven clearances as well as 21 touches. It is believed Erasmus wants to re-sign at the Dockers — who are expected to table a multi-year deal — despite struggling to cement a regular spot in their best 23 after being drafted with pick No.10 in 2021, playing only 31 games. Erasmus is reported to be at the top of the Eagles' wish list with Sydney's Angus Sheldrick and out-of-favour North Melbourne midfielder Will Phillips also on their radar. Victorian clubs are also believed to be interested in the strong midfielder if he does decide to part ways with the Dockers for more opportunities.
