Patrick Voss, a new Fremantle recruit, has spoken about earning an AFL lifeline with the Dockers, adding that the former Essendon forward has been made to feel “really comfortable” wearing purple.
Voss joined the Dockers in late November as a Supplemental Selection Period train-on prospect, just a month after the Bombers did not give him a new contract.
The GWS Giants Academy graduate was one of four SSP trial players who trained with Justin Longmuir this summer, and the Dockers signed Voss on Thursday to fill one of their two open list spaces.
The big-bodied key forward said it’s “awesome to get another opportunity” at the highest level, and he intends to improve on the skills that earned him a second chance.
“Yes, it’s rather thrilling. “I’m away from family and friends right now, but there have been a lot of phone calls and text messages,” Voss told club media.
“Everyone back home, all my friends, are really excited for me.
“… It’s fantastic to have another opportunity. The coaching team has made it very apparent to me what my main focal points will be this year.
Fremantle train-on player Patrick Voss at Dockers pre-season training in 2023 (Image courtesy Twitter, Fremantle FC).
“A bit of aerial craft, a bit of game sense, which I think has come a long way and that I’ll continue to build on.”
Voss won best and fairest with Essendon’s VFL team last year, after scoring 30 goals in the state competition.
While Voss did not make his AFL debut during his two seasons in the red and black, his impressive and consistent pre-season spell with the Dockers puts him in position for a senior debut in 2024.
“I think it’s the result of some consistency throughout the preseason,” Voss said of his form.
“I feel like I’ve had a fairly good preseason, and it’s translated on the field so far, which I hope to continue throughout the year.
“Matt Taberner, Luke Jackson, and Sonny (Michael Walters), those senior boys have been extremely helpful to me.”
“They’ve helped me feel at ease in this setting. They’ve been amazing.”
Voss is expected to play in Fremantle’s first practice match against West Coast next Saturday, with a Community Series meeting against Port Adelaide the following week.
On Sunday, March 17, the Dockers will face Brisbane at Optus Stadium to kick up their 2024 campaign.
