Freeman to give mates a lift

ST Kilda coach Alan Richardson says he is unsure what effect midfielder Nathan Freeman’s long-awaited AFL debut will have on team performance against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium tonight.

The powerful 23-year-old has overcome persistent leg injuries to play his first game almost five years after being drafted.

“The circumstance behind Nathan’s journey and how challenging it has been, his teammates see that and there’s a fair bit of love, a lot of respect and admiration,” Richardson said.

“What does that mean in terms of motivation and performance? Who knows. We had a pretty strong performance last week and we want to maximise our opportunities.

“That has been our focus and there’s a chance ‘Freeza’ coming in gives the boys a bit of a lift.”

The No.10 pick in the AFL 2013 draft has endured several serious leg issues, particularly with hamstring ailments.

“I was always envious of the boys, playing junior footy with most of them and watching their careers from afar. Hopefully, my career is just starting now,” Freeman said.

“The way they have looked after me and managed me, I can go out confident I can give it 100 per cent.”

St Kilda still has big plans for the midfielder.

“It has been a huge challenging period. You can imagine what it would be like to be drafted so early and be such an exciting junior and then be five years when you don’t play footy,” Richardson said.