Duffield, 23, strung the last six games of the season together and is hoping to take that good form into the pre-season and 2009.
After just managing 13 games in his first two seasons, Duffield played 11 in 2008 and showed that he has the ability to play AFL football at the highest level, best highlighted by his 28 possessions against Richmond in round 21.
Duffield was delighted to be part of Fremantle's win over Collingwood to finish the season on a bright note and has enjoyed being given an extended run in the side along with a host of other youngsters.
"There's a lot of confidence in the group at the moment and we feel like we have come together well over the last six to eight weeks. Younger guys are taking it upon themselves to show leadership and influence games and that's something that Harvs and all the coaches have pushed," he said.
"The players have embraced that and this good performance shows that if we find a bit more consistency next year we should win more games."
While he may not be experienced at AFL level Duffield is a proven quality player with WAFL club South Fremantle. There he first established himself as a defender but has since become a potent midfielder and lively forward on occasion.
He has played in a colts, reserves and league premiership with the Bulldogs and feels the experience there has helped his readiness to make an impact in the AFL, where he has spent more and more time on the ball in recent weeks.
"It's very pleasing. It has been a frustrating couple of years but I'm probably at the point now where I'm mature enough to understand how I can influence a game as a utility all over the ground. I have spent a lot of time in the midfield this year which has been great," he said.
"I also enjoy playing in defence and forward, so getting my head around playing those three roles and changing during a game is not easy to do but I'm getting used to it. It's also good to string some consistent games together and it makes you feel part of the group."
Duffield is out of contract now, but is hoping to sign a new deal shortly for 2009 and to further cement himself in the Fremantle side.
"I hope that I've done enough in the last six weeks to prove that I'm in the best 22 for next year," he said.
"I'm still going to have a massive pre-season and work really hard while thinking that I'm not in the mix, because that's the mindset you need."
