Drum, the club’s first selection in the 2005 NAB AFL National Draft, 10th overall, played 5 games in his first season and stamped himself as a player of the future by taking out the Beacon Award as the club’s best new talent.
Coming to Perth from country Victoria has required a big lifestyle adjustment but it’s one the teenager has embraced with open arms and is pleased to be staying on at the port club.
“I’ve been well looked after since I have got here and I now find it home over here so it wasn’t a hard decision at all to stay,” said Drum.
“I made the decision on my own and then I told the parents about it and they were all happy for it.”
Drum didn’t miss a beat last year and got a taste for AFL after debuting against the Swans in Round 13.
“It was more than I expected. I set down to have one game as a goal last year and anything more than that was a bonus. So it was good to get five games and it was a real thrill.”
Drum is currently focussed on playing at league level in the WAFL with Perth Football Club and is hoping with continued good form for the Demons he will earn a recall to Fremantle soon.
“My form, I think, is getting better every week and hopefully if I can continue that and play some consistent football and you never know what is around the corner as to getting into the senior team,” said Drum.
Ibbotson, a pacy midfielder, was selected with Fremantle’s second selection (no. 26 overall) in the 2005 National Draft. A local boy, he is wrapt to be given an opportunity to continue his AFL career at Fremantle.
“When I first got drafted there was probably more chance of me going away than there was staying home but now that I am here I’d like to stay as long as I can,” he said.
After playing WAFL colts football in 2005, Ibbotson stepped up to play the majority of the 2006 season in the reserves, finishing second in the best & fairest. He has been playing consistent senior football for the Sharks this season and is likely to make his debut for Fremantle in 2007.
“I think last year was just a year to sort of have a year in the system and play with East Fremantle and just try and develop as much as I can and I think my development has come along steadily.”
With his development well underway, what surprised Ibbotson the most was the intensity of life as an AFL footballer.
“Being at home I thought it would be not so hard not having to travel so far and stuff but it’s a lot of time at the club. I spend most days there and nearly full days as well so it’s a lot of time taken up but I enjoy it.”
