Dockers recruit eyes midfield minutes in 2020

Former Brisbane Lions and Collingwood player James Aish is keen to be a part of Fremantle's young midfield brigade in 2020, after joining the club in the 2019 AFL trade period.

South Australian born Aish departed the Pies after the club was unable to offer him a long term contract beyond next year, linking up with former backline coach Justin Longmuir at the Dockers.

"I had to make a call on where I thought my best football would be. " Aish told Sports Drive on Wednesday.

"So many of my best mates are at Collingwood and I loved Melbourne as well, it was a tough decision but I saw coming to Fremantle on a long term contract, hopefully getting back on a wing and playing under Justin as the best thing for me."

The 24 year old, who played 32 games for the Lions and 50 at the Pies including the 2018 AFL Grand Final, has trained with the midfield group in the early stages of pre-season and is hoping to take the wing position left by Brad Hill's departure to St Kilda.

"I played midfield at Brisbane and in early years at Collingwood, but I got injured and when I came back there was a spot at half back, so I filled that for the last year and a half." Aish said.

"I enjoyed that challenge of beating my opponent and being a part of the backline, but I'm hoping to get back on a wing and be more damaging and play more creative footy."

Aish said the relative youth of the Fremantle squad excited him heading in to 2020.

"We're a really young side, but the core of the team is there particularly the key position which is pretty rare, I think I'm in a good little age bracket where I can lend some experience but also grow with everyone as well, almost starting from scratch and the new things Justin will bring and help the team grow forward."

The club breaks for Christmas and New Year from Friday for a compulsory three weeks before training recommences on January 13th.

IMAGE: The West Australian.