Fremantle recruits Taylin Duman and Luke Strnadica.
Camera IconFremantle recruits Taylin Duman and Luke Strnadica. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Fremantle Dockers recruits can’t bluff way through tough bonding exercise

Bryce LuffFremantle Gazette

FREMANTLE youngsters have been shown no favours during a gruelling visit to Bluff Knoll.

Just two days after being rookie drafted, Taylin Duman was among a group of ten Docker players trekking the Great Southern Region as part of a three-day development camp for first and second year recruits.

The camp was designed to simulate experiences faced on the football field.

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Besides a lot of hiking, the 18-year-old and nine teammates endured cold nights and a host of physical and mental challenges.

One, Duman revealed, included sorting two bags of mixed rice by colour.

“It was challenging but we all got through it,” he said.

The versatile defender, drafted to the club from the Oakleigh Chargers, said messages including brotherhood and sacrifice had been drummed into the players.

“(It was about) pushing yourself,” he said.

“You probably have self doubt when it’s tough but once you’re doing it for food, shelter, or sleep, you really push yourself along.”

Also on the trip was forward Luke Strnadica.

The East Fremantle product said he had not experienced anything like it.

“It was a great experience for myself and all the other boys as well,” he said.

“We had a fair bit of team bonding and stuff like that.”