Essendon coach Brad Scott says he couldn't be more pleased with how Fremantle key forward Patrick Voss is performing, despite preparing against him this week.
Voss spent two years at the Bombers as a rookie before being delisted at the end of 2023 after no matches in the AFL.
The Dockers have been on the lookout for a forward presence since the departure of club legend Matthew Pavlich, and opted to give the raw Victorian an opportunity during the summer months leading into the 2024 season.
Voss impressed Justin Longmuir and his coaching crew enough to snare a spot on the club's list, and played seven games in his first year at Fremantle.
But his past month will have Essendon fans shaking their heads as the 21-year-old has hit a purple patch of form, kicking six goals in the past fortnight and going goalless only once in his nine outings this year.
Scott, who spent only 12 months with Voss at Essendon, said he was "rapt" with his development, but was wary of how to "contain" the bustling forward.
"It's a great story," Scott said.
"It's very easy for coaches and clubs to see one of your players, in the disappointment of going off the list, then going on to perform somewhere else... some people can think that's a bit disappointing for us.
"I say the same thing to all players when they come off our list, that we're not telling you you're career's over, we're just telling you there's not a spot on the list for you here.
"He's attitude, when he was delisted, was incredible. I knew that he'd give it everything to get another opportunity, and he did that.
"Went over as an SSP train-on at Fremantle, he's a really lively sort of guy. Likeable guy. Personally, I'm rapt for him. I love those stories of players who experience disappointment, they don't wallow and do something about it.
"We'll have our hands full containing him on Thursday night."
Voss spoke on the upcoming clash with his former side, saying he's keen to prove Fremantle right, rather than Essendon wrong.
"Yeah, front of mind," Voss said.
"Feeling good. I've had a few conversations this week with people around, in my head, there's a bit more noise.
"But it's just another game. I don't have a point to prove."
Voss was absent from the Dockers' senior lineup last year when the two teams met, but will get his chance to showcase what his former side is missing on Thursday.
The Oakleigh Chargers product is averaging 10.1 disposals, 1.4 goals, 3.1 marks, 3.2 tackles, 5.0 score involvements and 1.8 inside 50s per game this year.
