WAFL 2025: South Fremantle coach Craig White set to give Fred Rodriguez, Toby Whan early taste of league footy

South Fremantle coach Craig White is set to hand top WA draft hopefuls Fred Rodriguez and Toby Whan early-season league debuts after impressive summers at the kennel. The teenagers have featured in each of the Bulldogs’ pre-season clashes and are in the frame to suit up in the season opener against Perth at Mineral Resources Park on April 5. White, who is in his first year at the helm of the Bulldogs, said both were in the mix to get an early taste of league action. “Whether or not it’s round one, Fred and Toby are both highly talented,” he said. Rodriguez has long been touted as one of the best midfield prospects in WA this year, having played in the Under-18 Championships as an under-ager after missing the Under-16 carnival because of injury. The 17-year-old — who is part of the AFL Academy Squad this year — kicked two goals in a pre-season clash against East Perth to show he’s ready for the big stage. “Fred will play league footy through this year. He’s a high talent, he’s a South Fremantle boy ... we’re really excited for what he can bring,” White said. “His ability in traffic is first class. He seems to have time, his decision-making on his left and right foot is great. “At 17 years old, they’re normally still developing, but he’s a full-blown man already.” Whan is part of Fremantle’s Next Generation Academy and has trained at the Dockers this summer, catching the eye with his athleticism and aerobic capacity. He also kicked a goal against the Royals, while he’s known for a booming left foot that is dangerous. “Toby is a small forward with a high ability and a great runner,” White said. “His 2km time trials, yo-yo testing is high level. His ability to cover the ground is great and he’s a nice-looking left foot kick. “He played on the wing for him at the weekend, but we see that he has the potential to play small forward or wing potentially throughout the year.” Whan and Rodriguez aren’t the only draft hopefuls set for league action with Claremont forward Cody Curtin continuing to push for a run in the seniors. Curtin kicked an incredible eight goals in a colts pre-season win over Subiaco, having booted 13 goals in his final three games of last season. The 200cm, 98kg key position player had previously played in defence last year for WA.