Western Australia’s Fred Rodriguez is a 184cm midfielder from South Fremantle.
The big-bodied midfielder entered 2025 as the most hyped prospect from the west and was consistent enough at an indifferent National Championships for the Black Swans to take out WA’s MVP, yet has fallen down the order a touch.
Noted widely for his diligent preparation and professionalism off-field and leadership as captain of WA, Rodriguez’s running power and ability to kick off both sides of his body are important traits as a midfielder who leans heavily on his physicality and stoppage craft.
He’s the sort of trusty prospect that you know what you’re going to get from because of his consistency and repeatable style of play as a clearance-winner, ball-winner and tackle layer.
He’ll integrate seamlessly, too given his defensive application and IQ gives you the confidence that he could play to structure effectively.
Despite reasonably low possession counts by his standards at the U18s National Championships, he was the firestarter for an inconsistent midfield group and kept them competitive throughout the championships.
The question marks that surround him, which have kept his range lower, are around his kicking and athleticism, but he suits a club seeking a contested bull.
Strengths
Stoppage Craft
Physicality
Ball-Winning
Draft Range
Pick 35-55
Potential Landing Spots
Collingwood (Pick 39)
North Melbourne (Pick 46)
Adelaide (Pick 48)
