AFL Draft 2024: Claremont ruckman Aiden Riddle in shock after landing at Fremantle Dockers as a rookie

Aiden Riddle was taking a walk along the coast when his phone began to blow up. The sudden surge in attention could only mean one thing: The Claremont ruckman who had grown up idolising Matthew Pavlich and Aaron Sandilands had become a Fremantle player, much to his surprise. The Dockers had intended to re-list ruckman Max Knobel at Friday’s rookie draft, but the plan was quashed when Gold Coast swooped in with pick No.4. It left Freo needing ruck depth and they didn’t hesitate in using Pick 7 on 19-year-old Riddle, who had a strong campaign for Claremont and WA’s Under-18 side as an over-ager. “I was on a walk. We were getting out of the house just to take my mind off it. I was with my Mum, her partner and my girlfriend and we were just walking along the coast and I felt my phone start to go off in my pocket,” Riddle told The West Australian. “I had no clue going into this. I wasn’t expecting much but I am thrilled now. “I’d met with them (Fremantle) a few times so I knew they were keen but I hadn’t really had any contact prior or within the last few weeks. I’m still in shock now. “It’s a dream come true. I’ve been a supporter of them for my entire life. I can’t wait to pick their brains, learn and get straight into it.” A 199cm ruckman, Riddle stood out in the Tigers’ finals campaign including a stellar 30 hit-out, 17-disposal performance against Swan Districts in Claremont’s second-consecutive premiership. Riddle will now get to work alongside the likes of Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy to grow his game while also developing at WAFL affiliate Peel Thunder. “My ability to use my athleticism and win the ball at stoppage,” Riddle said on his strengths. “Whether it’s hit-outs or taking it out of the ruck, or my follow up as well is an under-rated aspect for someone of my size.” Fremantle boss David Walls said they were delighted to get Riddle after the shock drafting of Knobel to the Suns. “We rated Aiden. His improvement in the past 18 months has been huge,” Walls said. “Max gets his opportunity at the Gold Coast and we thank him for his time at the club over the past two years. “Aiden comes in as a developing ruck who can play forward and we think he can go back as well. It’s impressive with the way he has improved in the past 18 month and we expect to get him in and continue on his path.”