Prized Fremantle draftee Neil Erasmus admits he lacked confidence during an interrupted middle part of his first season in the AFL, but is slowly regaining it in the WAFL thanks to a newfound patient approach.

The 18-year-old earned an early debut in the round three western derby win over West Coast and has played four times to go with one as an unused medical substitute.

But a nasty concussion playing for Peel Thunder combined with a few other niggles and being in and out of the ones started to hurt his form and self-belief.

“I debuted fairly early on and there were a few injuries here and there,” Erasmus reflected.

“It was obviously an amazing opportunity, starting with the derby, and then a few games here and there.

“I lacked a bit of continuity, I went back to the WAFL and got concussed and had some niggles.

“Being between the two teams, I just lacked a bit of confidence through the middle part of the year so I went away and got on top of my preparation and started to get a few games together.”

The message was simple from Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir when Erasmus went back to the WAFL - to develop and be patient.

The Subiaco and Sorrento-Duncraig product and former Hale School captain said learning patience was still a work in progress.

Erasmus produced one of his best games of the season in a massive win over East Perth at New Choice Homes Park on Saturday, amassing 32 possessions, seven marks and a goal, but knows he may have to bide his time for another chance with the Dockers.

“His message was just to develop at the next level and as long as I’m developing, that’s all I can really ask for,” Erasmus said.

“I’ve just got to stay patient. I’m pretty impatient and can get a little bit out of control at times but I think I’m learning to become more patient.”

Erasmus was full of praise for his Subiaco colts premiership teammate and fellow 2021 national draftee Matt Johnson, who’s also bounced back from an injury-hampered start at Freo, declaring he would be “right up to it” if an AFL debut came his way.

Johnson, who missed the start of the season with a nasty foot injury, put his hand up for a long-awaited AFL berth with a classy and composed performance in tough conditions, with 25 disposals and a brilliant long-range goal in the first term.

“He’s really putting some nice games together,” Erasmus said.

“He’s really clean around the ball, he’s strong in the contest and he’s come back from that foot injury really strongly.

“I think if he did get the opportunity, he’d be right up to it and maybe in another midfield in another team at the moment he would be.

“At the moment we’ve got a really strong midfield at Fremantle, that’s just the nature of it and we’re learning from the best.”