Cooper Simpson: Top Fremantle Dockers draftee to make AFL debut against Western Bulldogs.
Fremantle’s top draft pick from last year, athletic forward Cooper Simpson, will make his debut against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night.
The Dockers confirmed the news on Thursday afternoon, with a number of changes expected for the club following their third consecutive loss in last week’s western derby.
Sam Switkowski and Michael Frederick are both expected to return, although important forward Jye Amiss will be sidelined due to a concussion.
Simpson, a Dandenong Stingrays product, was selected with pick 35 in last year’s selection and was regarded as one of the pool’s steals following an injury-plagued season.
“I’m pumped and very excited. He told the club’s website, “When I heard the news, I was overjoyed and couldn’t stop smiling.”
“During the meeting, JL announced there would be a debutant, and my name came up. All the boys were moving around me.
“Mum was as emotional as I expected. I called Dad, and he was quite excited for me.”
Simpson’s debut marks the return of Fremantle’s most iconic jumper number. Simpson was given No. 29, which was famously worn by the club’s leading goal scorer and longest-serving captain, Matthew Pavlich.
South Australian Luke Valente was handed the number but has never played a senior game, therefore it will be the first time it is worn by the Dockers since Pavlich’s final game in 2016 – also at home against the Bulldogs.
“It is really special and it is special to have someone like him as a mentor and in my corner, which I am super grateful for and will cherish,” Simpson said in a statement.
On Thursday, the Dockers practiced at Cottesloe Beach in preparation for Saturday night’s Len Hall game.
Simpson has played three league games for the club’s WAFL affiliate, the Peel Thunder. With 19 disposals and 2.4, he shone in last week’s victory over the West Coast reserves.
According to coach Justin Longmuir, Simpson was considered for last week’s derby but was handed another game in the reserves after missing the previous week due to COVID.
In a draft-night interview with The West Australian, Simpson expressed his desire to be a Docker for life, making him an instant hit with Fremantle fans.
“It doesn’t change a thing no matter where I get drafted to, I envisaged spending my whole career there,” that’s what he said.
“I am in Fremantle, and there is where I will stay.
“It’s simply my loyalty, I guess; I’m a loyal person — to my friends, family, and everyone. It comes with playing football; I am loyal to the club, the players, the staff, and everyone involved.
“To be a part of Fremantle, to be a one-club player at Fremantle, hopefully will be the goal.”
The Dockers traded up in the draft order to take Simpson with their first pick at 35, passing Geelong and Collingwood.
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