AFL Trades: Fremantle recruit Judd McVee says he’s keen to ‘create flair’ out of defence for Dockers

Judd McVee says he can take his game to another level at Fremantle while providing the Dockers with “a bit of flair off half-back”.

McVee landed at the WA club on Wednesday morning after he was traded for a second-round pick (No.23) in this year’s draft from Melbourne.

The 22-year-old is set to complement the Dockers’ already formidable backline, with a role across half-back alongside All-Australian Jordan Clark touted for the renowned lock-down defender.

McVee returns to WA after 65 games in four seasons at the Demons, requesting a trade to try to explore a more attacking role in the chevrons.

“My footy is going to grow in this environment and that’s what I’m most looking forward to,” McVee said.

“Hopefully (I bring) a bit of run and carry off the backline. Obviously defend first and then run, carry, use my kicking and create a bit of flair off half-back.

“I’ve had a fair bit of experience - 65 games - and I do think I can take my game to another level in the purple, so definitely looking forward to that and working with the likes of Jordan Clark and all the boys down back. It’s a young core group and I’m looking forward to slotting in there.

“I definitely prefer the half-back (role), being able to run and create and just play with a bit of freedom. Having that bit of freedom and bit of fun, loving the game is what I’m most keen for.”

McVee said he looked forward to teaming up with Clark, who was one of the first to reach out to him once he decided to head to the Cockburn-based club.

“Just seeing what he’s been able to do this year, an All-Australian – I’m very keen to pick his brain and hopefully work on the other side of him,” he said.

“The young group does attract me and the fact that everyone has signed on for a large period of time really excites me.

“That young group going forward led by the likes of Andy (Brayshaw), Caleb (Serong) and obviously the big skipper (Alex Pearce). The club’s definitely heading in the right direction and I’m keen to jump on and be a part of it.”

McVee has plenty of connections at the Dockers, having spent a year alongside Luke Jackson at Melbourne, while he also lined up alongside the likes of Neil Erasmus, Matt Johnson and Jye Amiss in the under-18s.

He also lived with Andrew and Angus Brayshaw’s family in Melbourne for two years after being picked up as a rookie by the Demons in 2021.

“They’ve got a pad. They’ve got the pool, spa,” McVee said.

“They’re a really welcoming family, they do a great job, so shout out to the Brayshaws.”