Nicholls is no stranger to covering kilometres for football, with the athletically versatile key forward travelling around an hour three times a week after school just to go to training.
“I don’t think it’s quite sunk in yet. It still feels pretty surreal, but I’m over the moon and couldn’t be happier,” Nicholls said.
“I’ll head over tomorrow (to WA), and I just can’t wait to meet everyone, get to know the place and all the people.
“It seems like a really good place and such a great Club to move into, so I can’t wait to get over there.”
The Central District recruit was a standout performer in the 2024 SANFL Under-18 Grand Final and led the side’s attack throughout the Under-18 competition, kicking 22 goals in 11 games while also assisting in the ruck.
“It definitely got tough throughout the year with lots of travel, schoolwork building up, and things like that – so to have it pay off like this is so awesome and I’m so grateful,” Nicholls said.
“I’d definitely say my strengths are my aerial ability, contested marking, and marking on the lead. I also think my speed over 20 metres as a forward is something I can bring to the team.”
Talking about his first meeting with senior coach Justin Longmuir, who flew to Tarlee early Friday morning to meet Fremantle’s pick 34, Nicholls said it was a moment he wouldn’t forget.
“He (Longmuir) said to enjoy the next couple of days and talked about how well the Club is going and how welcoming everyone is,” Nicholls said.
“It was absolutely amazing to meet Justin. I’m still pinching myself about that now.
“It was so special to have such great support from mates and family. I really appreciate it, and it was a pretty cool moment.”
Nicholls will join the Club’s other new draftees, Murphy Reid, Jaren Carr and Aiden Riddle for their first official training session at Freo HQ on Monday, 25 November.
