Fremantle are set to unleash first-round draft pick Liam Henry against Sydney on Saturday at Optus Stadium, per fremantlefc.com.au.
Henry was first told the news by former-Docker Antoni Grover, the club's first Indigenous player to reach 200 games, with Grover notifying the whole playing group on Thursday.
Grover designed the Dockers' Indigenous jumper for Sir Doug Nicholls Round and expressed his delight for the jumper, the club and Henry.
“We’re really proud of the design, the fact that you guys are wearing it now gives me chills,” Grover said.
“This football club means the world to me. It’s helped me develop as a person. There’s no doubt that each time you run out, you should wear the jumper with pride.
“It gives me great pleasure to announce, I’ve had a call from (football manager) Joe Brierty who has confirmed that this Saturday night a young boy is going to pull the jumper on for the first time and pull on the Indigenous jumper for his first game and that goes to Liam Henry.
“Liam, all the best, I can’t wait to see you run out there with the jumper and see you and doing us proud.”
Henry was over the moon to hear the announcement, especially in the manner of how the club revealed the news to him.
“It’s heart-warming to find out (about debuting) from a past player and a past legend,” Henry said.
“It’s a very special jumper. I think the meaning around it is very powerful and I’d like to thank Antoni for the design.
“I’ve had some experience with design and the meaning behind it is special.”
Henry was taken with the ninth overall selection in the 2019 draft and recently signed a two-year contract extension with Fremantle.
“I re-signed with the club back in March. Having that stability is pretty good, to know that I’m here for another two years and that I can build on what I’ve been doing this year and keep getting better and a player and as a person,” Henry said.
“It’s definitely a good environment around the club at the moment. Justin Longmuir is bringing that really caring and loving environment that the boys can just be themselves. It’s very good just to sign for another two years and I just can’t wait for the journey.”
