Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has lauded Murphy Reid's professionalism as the main reason for his continued rise to stardom, avoiding the wretched second-year blues.
Following Reid's Rising Star-winning maiden season last year, the forward-midfielder came back from the pre-season fitter and stronger, but more importantly, hungrier, according to Longmuir.
The 19-year-old was one of the Dockers' best against Geelong, amassing 27 touches, eight score involvements and seven inside 50s.
"For me, a real basic view of second-year blues is the fact that you don't handle your first off-season well. That's second-year blues, because you come back and you're behind the eight ball, but it wasn't the case with him," Longmuir said following the nine-point win over the Cats.
"It felt like we set him up well in the off-season. He came back fitter, stronger, hungrier, and launched into pre-season, and then that sets up your second season, because realistically, you should improve in your second year, shouldn't you?
"So I think he handled his first off-season really well. He's hungry. We've clearly added layers and levers he can pull in his role. He's not just a half-forward anymore. He plays with a ball.
"His work rate's second to none. He loves chasing the pill around, and he finds it and uses it well. So yeah, he's been super."
Reid has shot into All-Australian calculations, making up a pivotal part of the firing Fremantle midfield.
Part of that group is Hayden Young, who is building into his year after multiple injury setbacks.
Young is arguably the best mover in the Dockers' on-ball brigade and sent fears into the Fremantle camp after coming from the ground.
Longmuir ensured the club "dodged a bullet".
"It looks like it was a contact injury with the ground," he said.
"That's what we're hoping. We were a little bit worried it was a twisting mechanism with his knee, but his knee checks out well. No swelling at the moment."
The Dockers take their incredible winning streak to 13 and sit a game clear on top of the AFL ladder.
They face the Gold Coast in Round 16.
