Fremantle Docker Andrew Brayshaw tips midfielder Neil Erasmus to have a breakout year after re-signing

Fremantle star Andrew Brayshaw has tipped Neil Erasmus will have a breakout year in 2026, saying his performances late in the season was an indication of how damaging he could be next year. Erasmus has experienced a frustrating start to his AFL career but transformed his game late in the season after Matt Johnson suffered a serious ankle injury against Collingwood. Handed added responsibilities, the 21-year-old seized his chance to cement a position in the team, highlighted by 26 possessions and six clearances in the thrilling win over Port Adelaide. Out of contract at the end of the season, multiple clubs attempted to poach Erasmus but he recommitted to Fremantle for another three years. Brayshaw is confident Erasmus will take another huge leap next year. “His last five games were the best five games he’s ever played for the club. To get him to re-sign was really good. I know there were a couple of clubs circling around to try to get him,” Brayshaw told The West Australian. “Up until halfway through the year I wasn’t sure if he would re-sign and I don’t even know if he was too sure. His spot was up for grabs a little bit. “He was playing half-half with Freo and Peel. He might have felt like a poor performance or a few mistakes would end up with him getting dropped. But then he started to dominate, exceed expectations and own his role in the team. “Once you have that confidence and ability to play to your strengths, you have the mentality that if you make a mistake ‘who cares, I’ll just try hard and give it a go’. He was a high draft pick and we all love him as a person. To see him play amazing footy was really special. “We’ve always got around him behind closed doors. I think a lot of growth is going to come from our younger players. They’re starting to get to the age where they should be dominating.” Brayshaw spent Wednesday morning at Revo Fitness in Claremont raising money for Lifeline. Revo Fitness promised to donate 50c for every squat, lift or rep done on a featured squat rack across five locations. They set a goal of raising $25,000 but blew that figure out of the water and donated $80,921. “I can’t believe we’ve been able to raise this much and showcase how much our community wants to help each other and help the wider community from a mental health standpoint,” Revo Fitness founder Andrew Holder said. Brayshaw has been training hard alongside Caleb Serong since the end of the season as they look to drive each other to another level. The pair had dinner together on Tuesday night as they continue to plot a path to the club’s first premiership. Brayshaw is excited about the impact Melbourne recruit Judd McVee can have on the team, saying he could play at both half-back and in the midfield. He is also eagerly anticipating Murphy Reid spending more time in the centre square. Hayden Young played only nine games last season, so his fitness will dramatically improve Fremantle, and Brayshaw was excited that Luke Jackson and Shai Bolton will continue to have an impact when they play as midfielders. Brayshaw was confident the team was ready to contend every year. “We got a taste of being back in finals. It’s where we want to be,” he said. “I’ve re-signed for six more years and I fully expect us to be playing finals for those six years. I wouldn’t have re-signed if I didn’t think we had the group to go all the way.” Lifeline 13 11 14