Bailey Banfield's Journey from Fringe Player to Key Fremantle Forward

Bailey Banfield, a forward for Fremantle, has experienced a significant change in his football career. Previously on the fringe of selection, Banfield has now become a crucial part of the Dockers' lineup in 2024.

Life on the Fringe

For his first six seasons, Banfield was often uncertain about his place in the team. Each week, he anxiously waited to see if he would be selected, comparing his performance to others and looking for distractions while the match committee met. This uncertainty made his career stressful.

"It's like not knowing each week whether you're going to be fired or not," Banfield said.

Established Role in 2024

This year, things have changed. At 26 years old, Banfield has secured his spot in the best 22. He now plays a key role as a high-forward who can also rotate on the wing. This consistent selection has boosted his confidence, and he’s achieving career-high stats in disposals (14.6), goals (1.3), and marks (3.9).

"For the first time in my career, I'm solid in the squad every week, which has eased a lot of the anxiety," Banfield shared. "Footy is still tough, but there's less stress now, and I feel more comfortable in my headspace."

Overcoming Past Challenges

In 2022, Banfield often served as a medical substitute, starting in that role 10 times and frequently coming on late in games or not at all. In 2023, he played 14 games but was still in and out of the team. The stress of not knowing if he would be selected each week weighed heavily on him.

"When the match ended, I would start overthinking my form and comparing it to others, wondering who might come back from injury," he said. "It was especially tough around selection time, waiting for the decision."

Mindset Shift in 2024

This season, Banfield's mindset has improved significantly. After a tough game in Round 6 where he missed several goals, he didn’t panic. Instead, he focused on improving his performance at training. Since then, he has kicked 11 goals in seven games, including three against the Western Bulldogs.

"When you're confident, it can make the difference between being an average player and being in the best 22," Banfield said. "I didn't feel stressed after the West Coast game. I just worked on improving."

Looking Ahead

Banfield is an unrestricted free agent and hopes his current form will earn him a more secure contract. He has often played on one-year deals but received a two-year extension at the end of 2022. He is eager to stay with Fremantle.

"I believe my performance this year deserves a new contract with more security," he said.

Beyond the Field

Banfield’s impact goes beyond football. He is also Fremantle’s sustainability officer, working on the club’s environmental initiatives. The club released its sustainability framework in 2022, with Banfield playing a key role. They have since started measuring their carbon footprint and offsetting some travel impacts.

"Last year, we offset 25% of our travel. It's essential for our operations, but we’re working to reduce the impact," Banfield explained. "It's a passion of mine and something I believe in strongly."

Bailey Banfield's journey from a fringe player to a key forward for Fremantle showcases his growth and resilience. His consistent performance and contributions on and off the field highlight his value to the team.