AFL Draft: Fremantle Dockers lock in Jaren Carr, son of former Freo midfielder Matthew

Jaren Carr’s dream has come true as he prepares to follow in the footsteps of his father Matthew and uncle Josh by playing for Fremantle.

The Dockers drafted Carr with pick No.63 in this year’s draft, having nominated him as a father-son but not needing to match any bids on the athletic forward.

Carr, 20, lands at the Dockers after an impressive year for South Fremantle where he averaged 12 touches from nine league games including 17 disposals on debut.

The son of 134-game Docker Matthew, Jaren had interest in the mid-season rookie draft from Brisbane but backed himself to get picked up this month and it paid off when they recruited him late on Thursday night.

“It’s amazing. It’s an unreal opportunity and I cannot wait to get started,” he said.

“It has always been a dream and obviously to play for the team I grew up going for, it’s a dream come true.

“I’m familiar with a few of the boys, but it will be different. It’s only the beginning now. I’ve got to start putting the work in, it’s a fresh start.”

Carr has worked closely with personal trainer Josh Kovacs to get stronger to put him in a position to make it to the AFL after missing out in his draft year.

“I needed to get stronger in my legs to get faster and more powerful, so he’s helped me with my leg strength and core so I am a more powerful runner,” he said.

“I got moved into the forward line and really worked hard on my craft.

“I got quite a bit of confidence when you’re backed in by good coaches like Todd (Curley) and Nick Suban. The supporting teammates gives you a lot of confidence to play better.”

The 191cm forward said the move to back himself for the national draft after not nominating for the mid-season draft was worth the risk.

“It worked out in the end, it was a decision I decided to make to back myself for this one,” Carr said.