Sam Sturt Biography

Sam Sturt undergoes minor knee surgery, with the young goalkicker expected to return to full training by late January.

Sam Sturt is the 2020 round 1 AFL Rising Star nominee after kicking three goals in Fremantle's come-from-behind win over the Bombers.

Sam Sturt makes his AFL debut for Fremantle at Docklands Stadium with 10 disposals (5 kicks and 5 handballs), 3 marks, 2 tackles and 3 goals in a 6-point loss to Essendon.

Sam Sturt says he hopes to find his niche as a deep forward for Fremantle in 2020 under new coach Justin Longmuir.

"Last year I was playing a bit higher, so playing out of the goalsquare allowed me to get on the end of a few leads and realise I had a bit of pace," Sturt said.

"He (Longmuir) has given me heaps of confidence throughout the pre-season telling me what my position will entail and trying to execute as well as I can."

Sam Sturt is looking to impress new senior coach Justin Longmuir and push for an AFL debut in 2020.

The 17th overall pick in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft, Sturt's ambitions were put on hold last year when he suffered two concussions in quick succession that derailed the first half of his season.

"Last year was fairly frustrating because I was injured quite a bit," Sturt said.

"I took out work ethic, how to actually play senior footy and develop as an athlete, watching all the boys train and getting used to everything.

"I feel like this pre-season I've come in a little bit more prepared knowing what the expectations are and what it takes to get through a pre-season and get into games."

Fremantle select Sam Sturt with pick No.17 in the 2018 National Draft.

"It's amazing. It's the best experience and the best feeling of my life," Sturt said.

"It was emotional, I think Mum was pretty upset but that's just out of pure excitement and being happy for me. It was a good moment.

"I just want a new experience and with WA being close to the beach and being nice and hot, it's just an ideal place for me at the moment."

Sam Sturt could be the bolter of the 2018 NAB AFL Draft pool after his exciting end to the season for the Dandenong Stingrays.

The 188cm forward comes from a promising cricket background, and will trial with Cricket Victoria later this month.

However, his run of form for the Stingrays has seen 16 clubs make contact with Sturt, with some viewing him as a potential top-30 pick.