Fremantle forward Patrick Voss insists he doesn't have a point to prove to Essendon, but he's tipping some argy-bargy when he comes up against his former teammates at Optus Stadium.
Voss was selected by Essendon in the 2021 rookie draft but delisted at the end of 2023 without notching an AFL game.
That was despite kicking 49 goals in 29 VFL games across 2022-23, which included winning the 2023 best and fairest award.
Fremantle handed Voss a lifeline at the start of 2024, and he has now become a key part of the Dockers' attack.
Voss said Thursday night's match against his former side was "front of mind" for him, but he doesn't hold any grudges.
"I don't have a point to prove to anyone there, I have a point to prove to people here that made the right choice in picking me up," Voss said on Monday.
"I'm grateful for my time at Essendon. Without my time there, I wouldn't be here. They were a massive part of my development.
"I've still got really close mates there - Jye Caldwell, Ben Hobbs, Archie Perkins, Matt Guelfi. I catch up with them boys regularly.
"We've never played against each other, so there might be a few more pushes and shoves. It will be fun to play against them."
Voss' energetic celebrations have become a big highlight among Fremantle fans.
One of his exuberant hi-fives after kicking a goal earlier this season resulted in a poked eye to teammate Josh Treacy, who had to come off for treatment.
Fremantle's forwards coach Jaymie Graham has even dubbed Voss the prancing pony, with the spearhead joking that he tends to hit his highest speeds after kicking a goal.
"I've always been a big celebrator. I love kicking a snag," Voss said.
"It probably reflects how much I'm enjoying my footy and enjoying playing for Freo."
Voss has been working hard on his goalkicking accuracy this year, and it's starting to pay dividends.
He would have kicked 4.1 against North Melbourne if his final-quarter shot hadn't been touched on the line.
It's in stark contrast to the 3.10 he kicked across the first four games of his AFL career.
"Everyone's got a plan when they're having a set shot, and I thought my plan was pretty consistent," Voss said.
"But then when you get in front of 50,000 people and you've missed two set shots and you're going in for your third, the plan goes out the window and you're not really sure if it's working too well.
"Over the time I got suspended, there were three weeks where I did a bit of work with the consistency of the set shot kicking.
"Now I've got a really clear focus, and I'm really confident in it."
