YOUNG Fremantle ruckman Rob Warnock was told when drafted in 2005 that he most likely would not play an AFL game until 2009, but he got his chance in the absence of Aaron Sandilands in 2007 and hopes to build on that experience this year.

While some of his teammates spread the AFL gospel in South Africa, it was in the Great South of Western Australia where Warnock was helping develop Australian Football this week on his club's other Community Camp.

Preferring to be known as Rob, rather than Robert or Robbie as the media has dubbed him, the 21-year-old has certainly enjoyed his quicker than predicted development.

"When I first got to the club they said I wouldn’t play for the first three years, but I got the chance sooner than I expected," Warnock said at a clinic in Albany.

"With Justin [Longmuir] going down early and then Aaron towards the end, I got my opportunity and it was good to get the experience to know what is expected of me in terms of my body and skills.

"I had a good grounding at West Perth since Fremantle drafted me, the big grounds over here suit me and Todd Curley was great to play under, but hopefully for my sake I don’t spend much more time there."

Warnock was drafted by Fremantle from the Sandringham Dragons and still has plenty of weight to put on to match with the AFL's strong men, but he relished the opportunity to be No.1 ruckman late last year.

"The big strong bodies take some adjusting to. It's like you are at war when you're out there as you have someone so huge that you are going up against in fierce competition," he said.

"As No.1 ruckman you have to take a bit of authority out there, so I had to grow into that role in running back and forward when I was required.

"I reckon rucking is the hardest position on the ground. You are one-on-one all day, pushing and shoving and there's not that many guys in that many contests on the ground."

After his third AFL pre-season, Warnock has just about overcome a hamstring injury and is happy all areas of his game have improved over the summer.

"I feel the best I have coming into a season now. I've got another pre-season under my belt, am a bit wiser, know the game better and know what to expect after playing a fair bit last year," he said.

"I've just worked on my all-round game. Putting weight on obviously is always a focus, but so is my running ability and skills. You can't afford to just worry about one area, you have to concentrate on them all and I want to improve in every way I can."

Sandilands is fully fit coming into 2008 and with Warnock developing well in his absence in 2007, the pair hope to be among the best ruck combinations in the AFL.

"Hopefully we can form a strong partnership this year. Aaron's a huge part of our team and has an important presence. He now has had a pre-season under his belt, so we are both ready for big years."