Josh Treacy has notched up his 50th game with the Fremantle Dockers in style and continues to make a name for himself in the AFL world – and put Cohuna on the map.
Dubbed the Big Cohuna, the 21-year-old from Cohuna has amassed 50 games and 57 goals in his four seasons with the Dockers.
Leading up to the Round 15 match against the Gold Coast Suns in Perth on Sunday, Josh told media the 50th milestone had been a long time coming.
“I know it’s only been four years, but it’s been a lot of hard work, and a few lightbulb moments and patience as well along the way to get here. Obviously, it’s only a little step, but something that I’ll cherish,” said Treacy.
He said his confidence has grown and being able to back himself in week in, week out, and having the staff, coaches and teammates backing him in is what allows him to play at his best – but he also said he has plenty more to give.
“I feel like it’s another little step. I’ve got plenty more to give, I feel.
“There have been a lot of ups and downs, plenty of growth, but I think an exciting journey and I’m grateful that I’ve gone through what I had, because I certainly wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t experienced a lot of the things that I have.”
Following the game, senior coach Justin Longmuir described Treacy as a workhorse.
“I described him as a workhorse,” Longmuir said.
“He gets contest to contest, he keeps presenting offensively. His second efforts for a big man and his ability to chase are top shelf and he loves the physicality of the game. He just keeps rocking up to contests.
“I’ve admired his development, because there were some things he needed to work on in his game to be able to be that player for us, and he’s worked his backside off; and you love to see guys that are purposeful with the work they do, but also rep after rep, you love to see those guys succeed. He’s not the finished product, but he’s a pretty good product for us at the moment. He’s going well.”
The club sings Treacy’s praises on its social media platforms, calling him the Big Cohuna and showcasing his impressive moves, with one mark on Saturday earning him a Round 15 Mark of the Year nomination.
Treacy’s efforts with 12 disposals, 2 goals and 7 marks in his 50th game contributed to Fremantle’s 20-point win, with Fremantle Football Club writing, “Key forward Josh Treacy was immense in his 50th game, flying for contested grabs and kicking two important goals while also setting up others.”
It’s not just Josh who was in training with Fremantle Dockers last week – his father, Keiran, joined in with a team father/son training session on Friday morning.
This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 27 June 2024.
