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Emerging Sydney star Chad Warner opens up on facing Nat Fyfe, Swans’ finals chances and his stunning season

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Eliza ReillyThe West Australian
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Chad Warner salutes the crowd on home turf after dominating against Fremantle.
Camera IconChad Warner salutes the crowd on home turf after dominating against Fremantle. Credit: Paul Kane/via AFL Photos

There’s been a buzz building around Chad Warner for a few months now - but the man in the middle is oblivious to it all.

In a season that’s seen the 21-year-old knocking on the door of the AFL’s elite midfielders, he saved his finest performance for Fremantle in front of family and friends last weekend.

Against a midfield that features two-time Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe, Brownlow favourite Andrew Brayshaw, a former Rising Star Caleb Serong and one of the season’s breakout contenders Will Brodie, Warner outpointed them all.

He and his blond tips were everywhere, racking up 35 disposals, 15 of which were contested, seven clearances, 800 metres gained, six inside 50s, 11 score involvements and 1.1 himself to help his side conjure another top-four scalp.

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While the Swans and coach John Longmire attempt to keep a lid on the hype around their budding star, Warner’s chirpy confidence speaks to a young bull ready to embrace whatever task is put in front of him.

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“It’s a bit surreal at the start,” Warner said of facing Fremantle’s established midfield.

“Fyfe is looking huge at the moment. I’ve always looked up to him.

“For me, I’m pretty confident in my game and know what I have to do each week. That’s all that matters and goes through my mind.

“It’s a great compliment (being talked up as the AFL’s next big thing). People are going to say a lot of stuff but all I’m thinking about is winning a grand final.”

An unorthodox pre-season also paved the way for Warner’s rapid rise.

Is Chad Warner the AFL’s next elite midfielder?
Camera IconIs Chad Warner the AFL’s next elite midfielder? Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos

The East Fremantle product and younger brother Corey, Angus Sheldrick and Logan McDonald spent the first two months of pre-season home in Perth, training with Claremont.

The unusual preparation hasn’t slowed Warner’s ascension, explaining his improvement has been forged in two-way running.

“My defensive transition and defensive acts are the biggest part of my game that has improved or is always front of mind,” he said.

“It helps me to catapult the ball back forward when I do get back and help the defenders. That’s probably where I’ve sourced my improvement.

“It was massive from the Swans to let me stay home. Claremont are a very professional club. They held me to the standards that would’ve been expected of me at Sydney.

“I train the same whether I’m at Claremont or Sydney. For me, it didn’t feel any different. I came back really fit so it shows it works.”

Chad Warner fends off Michael Frederick.
Camera IconChad Warner fends off Michael Frederick. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos

With five rounds remaining, Warner believes more good fortune awaits his side after claiming their fourth top-four scalp (Geelong, Melbourne and Fremantle) of the season.

“It’s one of the statement wins. I reckon we’ve got a couple more to go,” he said.

“It’s a massive confidence booster for us and obviously in terms of the ladder for us as well. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve been able to achieve.”

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