From 190-point floggings to 14 wins in a row, Fremantle recruit Judd McVee can hardly believe his luck as he adapts swimmingly to life as a Docker.
McVee, a rookie draft selection in 2021, spent the first four years of his AFL career at the Melbourne Demons before making the switch to Fremantle at the end of last season.
It's proven to be a case of perfect timing with Fremantle (14-1) sitting two wins clear on top of the ladder and aiming for their 15th win in a row in Saturday's clash with GWS in Canberra.
McVee hails from Geraldton, a town more than 400km north of Perth, and he never came close to 14 wins in a row during his junior football days there.
"To be honest, my juniors team wasn't too good," McVee said with a laugh.
"One time I was playing with my brother when I was 14 or 15 with Rovers back in Geraldton, and we lost by about 190 points.
"It's been bloody awesome coming to Fremantle. Since day one, everyone's made me, my partner and my family feel at home.
"I loved Melbourne, but I think I just needed a lifestyle change."
McVee feels right at home in Fremantle's backline.
The 22-year-old and Jordan Clark provide the quick rebound from defence, Alex Pearce and Brennan Cox are the ever-reliable lockdown defenders while Luke Ryan and Heath Chapman are a mix of everything.
Add in the career-best form of Karl Worner and it's little wonder Fremantle are the No.1 defensive unit in the competition by a country mile, conceding an average of just 67 points per match.
"Everyone's different. There's no judgement, everyone can be themselves," McVee said of the backline mix.
"I'm probably not the smartest tool in the shed, so I fit right in down there with Luke Ryan. It's lucky we can play footy I guess."
Judd McVee just kept running...
— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) June 29, 2026
how good was this passage of play đź‘Ś#foreverfreo pic.twitter.com/5HZ6GBTVyL
Fremantle also possess arguably the scariest attacking unit in the league.
Spearheads Pat Voss, Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss are all capable of kicking bags of goals.
And even on the rare occasions that trio is kept quiet, Fremantle boast elite small forward talent in the shape of Shai Bolton, Michael Frederick, Isaiah Dudley, Sam Switkowski and Murphy Reid.
"Even if the big dogs aren't firing, which is not very often, those other boys get to work and get the job done," McVee said.
