Fremantle defender Hugh Davies talks through life on the edge of Dockers success as strong WAFL form continues

Out-of-contract Fremantle defender Hugh Davies says he will be at the club next season, with talks progressing on a new deal. After Peel Thunder’s eight-point win over Subiaco on Saturday, the 21-year-old confirmed to The West Australian he was committed to the Dockers and expected to remain at Cockburn. Davies hasn’t played at all in the past two seasons, but has put together an impressive season for the Thunder. “Talks are happening, and yeah I’m committed to Freo,” he said. “It’s looking like I’ll be here next year.” He brushed off any comments about other teams pursuing his services, saying there was never any doubt he would re-sign. “That’s just a bit of media stuff,” he said. “I’ve been committed to Freo the whole time, so yeah, I’ll be here next year.” Much like Fremantle, Peel are on an historic run. Saturday’s was a record-extending 10th in a row. Davies said the culture at the Dockers and Thunder made it an easy decision to commit his future to the club. “I think just the group we’ve got, we’re going to be contending for years to come, and it’s a place that just breeds success,” he said. “I haven’t got the opportunity yet but I’ve become such a better player just being in this environment with such good players and coaches around here.” The 196cm tall has taken the WAFL by storm this year, marking everything that comes his way to solidify himself as one of the premier defenders in the competition having already won a flag with the Thunder in 2024. But opportunities in the Dockers side haven’t been as regular, being overlooked on multiple occasions this year to add to his two games at the highest level, with experienced swingman Oscar McDonald given the nod over him both times. There is no doubt Davies has deserved a spot in the Fremantle side with his outstanding form this season, but understands that his time will come. “It is frustrating, but I mean I’m just trying to control the controllable’s,” he said. “I guess in a way, selection’s a bit out of my control, so I’m trying to focus on these WAFL games and put my best foot forward, and hopefully in the end it will work out.” “(McDonald’s) a gun player as well, so I mean, I think either one of us could have gone in and performed, and he did again (Friday night), so credit to him,” he said. “He’s got plenty years ahead of me, so it’s just a bit of patience and wait on time, and I know the coaches back me in so whenever I get to go, I’ll be ready for it. Davies currently sits second on the competitions total marks for the year with 119 from his 14 games including a mammoth 20 in round seven which is the fourth highest in a game ever in the WAFL. He said his form has come from the confidence shown in him by the coaches and the experience he is gaining week after week at WAFL level. “The coaches back me 100 per cent and I’ve got plenty of time to develop, and I’m just trying to hone my craft down here,” he said. “It’s a tough league, so I’m getting better every week and when I get a go, I’ll be ready for it.” Helping Davies flourish is none other than Dockers skipper Alex Pearce, guiding him through what it takes to become one of the best defenders in the competition. “As a bloke, he’s just such a giver, and he gives so much to the people around him,” he said. “Heaps of times during the year, I’ve sat in meetings with him about his game, learning his game, picking his brain. and he will sit in my meetings and help me out. “Even on the track, he’s such a good leader, and really just doesn’t care about himself he just wants the team’s success.”

Fremantle defender Hugh Davies talks through life on the edge of Dockers success as strong WAFL form continues

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