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Bucovaz joins Sharks

FREMANTLE listed player Ben Bucovaz is set to line up for East Fremantle in the WAFL this season.

Bucovaz (19) was vying for a position at Claremont, but with a number of AFL listed and local juniors also vying for spots, the club was unable to guarantee the teenager with league football opportunities.

Fremantle Football Club spokesman Michael Prior said circumstances had worked against the former Geelong Falcon, who is still yet to debut for the Dockers.

“Ben is in the last year of his contract (with Fremantle) and we need to give him every opportunity to shine at league level.

“Claremont could not guarantee that he will get this opportunity,” Prior said.

WAFL Football Operations Manager Clint Roberts said all players have to earn their spot, but young players drafted from interstate (Bucovaz) need every opportunity to play league football.

“The East Fremantle Football Club has agreed to provide Bucovaz with this opportunity,” he said.

Bucovaz did not play for Claremont until halfway through last year after having minor hip surgery during pre-season.

He managed to play seven reserves games in the WAFL, but was again hampered by injury.

At 188cm, Bucovaz is a medium defender/forward with a long, penetrating kick. The Dockers hope that, after a full pre-season, he can make his debut this year.

Vic Country coach Robert Hyde said the teenager was a handy player to have because he was lively and hard at it.

“He’s strong through the midfield with his attack on the ball.

“He just needs to work on his first five metres. He’d be suited to playing half-back to half-forward and could roll into the middle,” he said.

Bucovaz represented Vic Country in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, and was taken at pick No. 56 in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft.