THE DRAFT gets some spark with Freeman. The Sandringham Dragons midfielder missed the under-16 championships with an injury, and then went on holiday last year just as he was pushing for a run in Vic Metro's under-18 side as a bottom-aged player. He made the most of his chances this season, though.
Freeman started the season in good form, and then played for the state team at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships. Carrying a slight ankle injury, he was good without being super, and averaged 20 disposals across his three games for Vic Metro. He came into some solid form later in the year for the Dragons at TAC Cup level, using his run and clearance ability to dominate through the midfield. Against the Oakleigh Chargers he collected 27 disposals and booted two goals, and had 28 disposals against the Eastern Ranges.
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STRENGTHS
Freeman's a dasher: he's fast, and he knows it. He loves to get the ball and then run off, and he has the speed to get away. At the NAB AFL Draft Combine he ran 2.82 seconds over the 20-metre sprint, second this year and in the top-10 for testing history. He then won the repeat sprints (24.62 seconds) and backed it up with his endurance, coming 10th in the beep test (level 14.10). Having the electric burst and combining it with that aerobic capacity – something he had worked hard at developing – is a major strength. He can win his own touches, and for the Dragons averaged 10 contested disposals a game. He is also a smart clearance player, positioning his mature body in the right spots. Added to that, Freeman is an outgoing, lively and personable character who fits into any environment.
Pacy Freeman a draft bolter
WEAKNESSES
He can lack a tiny bit of composure sometimes with his kicking, mostly because he is running so quickly. His kicking efficiency for the Dragons was 60.2 per cent, with most of the other top midfielders a touch higher. He still is a little inconsistent, and his good games for the Dragons were often followed with quieter ones, but that gap is closing.
STRENGTHS
Freeman's a dasher: he's fast, and he knows it. He loves to get the ball and then run off, and he has the speed to get away. At the NAB AFL Draft Combine he ran 2.82 seconds over the 20-metre sprint, second this year and in the top-10 for testing history. He then won the repeat sprints (24.62 seconds) and backed it up with his endurance, coming 10th in the beep test (level 14.10). Having the electric burst and combining it with that aerobic capacity – something he had worked hard at developing – is a major strength. He can win his own touches, and for the Dragons averaged 10 contested disposals a game. He is also a smart clearance player, positioning his mature body in the right spots. Added to that, Freeman is an outgoing, lively and personable character who fits into any environment.
Pacy Freeman a draft bolter
WEAKNESSES
He can lack a tiny bit of composure sometimes with his kicking, mostly because he is running so quickly. His kicking efficiency for the Dragons was 60.2 per cent, with most of the other top midfielders a touch higher. He still is a little inconsistent, and his good games for the Dragons were often followed with quieter ones, but that gap is closing.
PLAYS LIKE
It has been said a bit, but Freeman does have a lot of Luke Shuey characteristics. He arches his back and bolts from stoppages, is solidly built, and enjoys pushing forward to kick a goal. Freeman kicked 10 goals last year for the Dragons in 11 appearances, and four goals in seven games this season.
DRAFT RANGE
A huge rise in the second half of the season sees him likely to be a top-10 pick. If he doesn't quite reach that group, he won't last long.
BOTTOM LINE
Freeman has a thrilling highlights tape but there is substance there, too. He has put together his strengths, improved his weaknesses, and is a damaging, influential on-baller. Wind him up and watch him go.
DRAFT RANGE
A huge rise in the second half of the season sees him likely to be a top-10 pick. If he doesn't quite reach that group, he won't last long.
BOTTOM LINE
Freeman has a thrilling highlights tape but there is substance there, too. He has put together his strengths, improved his weaknesses, and is a damaging, influential on-baller. Wind him up and watch him go.
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