Arabic version: إيراسموس يجد مكانه في مشوار فريمانتل نحو النهائي الكبير

According to ABC News, Neil Erasmus will play in Fremantle’s second-ever AFL grand final after a career turning point that once had him considering a move away from the club. The 22-year-old midfielder has played every game for the Dockers this season.

Nine rounds into the 2025 AFL season, Erasmus had played 25 games since being drafted before the 2022 season and was struggling to break into Fremantle’s midfield. Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw, Jaeger O’Meara and Nat Fyfe were ahead of him in the pecking order, while he spent significant time with Peel Thunder.

“There was [a chance of me leaving] and a little bit around just wanting a fresh start,” Erasmus said. He said he was seeking greater continuity after coming in and out of the side and playing as substitute.

Erasmus found form in the second half of 2025, playing 13 more games including the Dockers’ elimination-final loss to Gold Coast. He then signed a three-year contract extension through to the end of 2028, saying conversations late in the year and enjoyment of his football made the decision to remain easier.

Fremantle selected Erasmus, Jye Amiss and Matthew Johnson in the 2021 national draft, before taking Karl Worner in the rookie draft. All four have become important parts of the club’s push to the decider. Erasmus said lining up with Johnson was especially meaningful after they played cricket and football together and against each other from a young age.

The Dockers reached the grand final after a come-from-behind win over Sydney at the SCG. Erasmus said the emotion after the match extended to staff members, and he singled out club stalwarts Paul Salis and Gary Ingraham as people he was particularly pleased for.