Mandurah AFL product Nathan Wilson is coming home to Western Australia after being traded from Greater Western Sydney to Fremantle on Thursday morning.
The damaging half back heads to the Dockers along with pick 71 in the upcoming national draft, in exchange for Fremantle’s pick 57 and a 2018 second-round pick.
Wilson requested a trade home to be closer to his Mandurah-based family in September, citing Fremantle as his preferred destination.
Now a Docker, the ex-Mandurah Centrals junior told AFL.com.au he’s excited for his family to watch him play each week.
“From when I was a little kid I’ve always said that if I ever made the big stage I wanted to play some footy in Perth, and I promised my family when I left for Sydney that one day I’d come back,” he said.
“There was always the want there to come home; I didn’t know when it would happen exactly, it could have been next year or in three years’ time.
“But it’s done now and it’s going to be great for my family to come and watch me every second week, especially my little nephews and nieces.”
Wilson will spend the next few days holidaying in Bali where he owns a tattoo parlour, before returning to Sydney to work through some logistics, and officially end his time as a Giant.
The 24-year-old said he had already spoken to Fremantle coach Ross Lyon about the Dockers’ game style.
“He told me to keep focused on footy and not to get sidetracked which is a big thing for me, and it will be a challenge but I can't wait,” he said.
“I’ll be looking to fill the same role I’ve played with the Giants for the last two years, and that’s running off half back and reading the play, then using the ball as best I can and taking the game on.
“I play on instinct and Ross knows that, so I’m looking forward to getting into it.
“It’s really exciting especially with the new stadium opening next year, but more importantly I’m stoked to be home.”
Coming out of the Mandurah Centrals and Peel Thunder, Wilson was pre-listed by the Giants as a 17-year-old in 2010 and made his debut in round 1, 2012 in the inaugural game for GWS against the Swans at the SCG.
He will link up with childhood friend and fellow Peel Football and Netball League product Harley Bennell at the Dockers.