North Melbourne youngster Riley Hardeman confident he’s ready for Fremantle Dockers clash

WA youngster Riley Hardeman is bringing plenty of confidence into North Melbourne’s clash with Fremantle on Saturday after locking down a spot in defence.

The second-year Kangaroo managed three games in his rookie year but has already featured eight times in 2025, working in North Melbourne’s defence to provide rebound off halfback.

He played 78 per cent of the clash against West Coast in defence, with two rebound 50s and an inside 50 to go with 236 metres gained.

And after grabbing his first win in his first game back in his home state in Bunbury, Hardeman said he was “excited” to face Fremantle in his maiden match at Optus Stadium.

“It’s good to enjoy the win, but we’ll be looking forward to Fremantle at Optus; it’s very exciting,” he told The West Australian.

“Being able to crack into this side earlier this year and then finding some consistency with form and just building trust at the level is really good, and I will only continue to improve, I hope.”

Hardeman faces a sterner task this week, likely to face a match-up on one of Michael Frederick, Sam Switkowski or red-hot rookie Murphy Reid.

However, the 20-year-old says that being able to lean on the likes of Luke McDonald and Caleb Daniel fuels his self-belief.

“We’ve got a lot of experience (in defence) like Luke McDonald, Caleb Daniel that are really strong with their communication, making sure they’re putting me in the right spots and they’re looking after me,” he said

“Our system is holding up really well.

“(And the come-from-behind win against West Coast) gives us a lot of reassurance we can come back in games.”

The Swan Districts also gave Bunbury a glowing review after the South West’s historic day in the AFL limelight, saying it reminded him of his roots and he was already excited to return in 2026.

“It was really fun playing out here in a really good atmosphere,” he said.

“It reminded me a bit of my old home ground at Swan Districts, Steel Blue Oval, just with the wide wings. It was awesome—plenty of room to run and carry.

“It speaks volumes to the support we have out here in Western Australia. I reckon my family was probably a very large contingent of the support, but it’s why we came here.

“We have such a large following, and I can’t wait to do it again.”