Craig Moller shines in WAFL

By Charlotte Mitchell

A late inclusion to the Peel Thunder side after teammate Jack Hannath was elevated to emergency for the Dockers; Moller was up against former AFL ruckman Paul Johnson as the Thunder lost by 12 points to the East Perth Royals on Saturday March 23.

Despite the defeat, the former Cronulla Sharks junior still impressed in the match with a total of 18 disposals, 13 hitouts and a goal which was named as Peel’s best by local media. 

Speaking to www.fremantlefc.com.au after the game, Moller named Johnson as the most influential player on the field, and said that going up against a ruckman with 70 AFL appearances to his name was a valuable learning experience. 

“He is known as one of the best players in the WAFL,” Moller said.

“The first thing is his size, he’s well over 100kg. He’s a big body to try and get around and try and move.

“He also knew where to put himself around the ground and at stoppages to be a dangerous player.”

Also pleased with Moller’s game day effort was Fremantle development coach Steve Grace, who believes the youngster’s ruck craft is going from strength to strength.

“Craig’s ground play and his follow ups after the ruck contests were exceptional,” he said. 

“He had six clearances, too, which was the most for Peel on the day.”

Growing up in Sydney’s south, Moller joined Fremantle as an add-on 18 year old rookie in 2012 after spending three seasons linked to the club through the NSW AFL scholarship program, which saw him travel to Fremantle twice a year and attend several training clinics in Melbourne. 

Towering at 204cm, Moller was also a talented basketballer, and was considered to be a future NBL star before being approached by Fremantle after demonstrating exceptional talent as a 14 year old junior.