Bloodlines and Belief: How Isaiah Dudley Earned His Fremantle Opportunity
In the AFL landscape, where talent is fiercely contested and opportunities can be fleeting, the story of Isaiah Dudley’s journey to the Fremantle Dockers is one of perseverance, pedigree, and finally, a well-deserved shot at the big time. This exciting small forward, whose name carries significant weight in the Australian footballing community, has earned his AFL debut through sheer hard work and by proving his capabilities after being initially overlooked.
For those unfamiliar, Dudley’s bloodlines read like a who’s who of Indigenous AFL talent. He is the nephew of Carlton and Adelaide legend Eddie Betts and Hawthorn champion Shaun Burgoyne, and the cousin of Melbourne premiership player Kysaiah Pickett. Growing up surrounded by such esteemed company, football was always in his veins. He even played alongside his cousin Pickett at Prince Alfred College in Adelaide, showcasing his talent from a young age.
Despite being considered a highly talented junior, Dudley was surprisingly overlooked in the 2021 AFL draft. This setback, while disappointing, didn’t deter the young South Australian. Instead, it fueled a determined effort to hone his craft and prove the recruiters wrong.
Playing for Central District in the SANFL, Dudley knuckled down, focusing on the areas of his game that needed improvement. He worked diligently on his fitness and off-field habits, understanding the demands of the elite level. His dedication paid dividends in the 2024 SANFL season, where he impressed with his goal-sense and pressure around the ball, finishing third in the club’s best and fairest.
It was this standout form that caught the eye of Fremantle recruiters. In December 2024, Dudley received a lifeline, invited to train with the Dockers during the pre-season for a shot at the final list spot via the Supplemental Selection Period (SSP). This was his opportunity, and he grabbed it with both hands.
Throughout the pre-season, Dudley impressed the Fremantle coaching staff with his lively forward pressure, goal sense, and his relentless attack on the football. Standing at just 168cm, he’s officially one of the shortest players in the AFL, but what he lacks in height, he more than makes up for in agility, smarts, and an undeniable knack for finding the goals. He even kicked two goals in each of Peel Thunder’s WAFL practice matches, further solidifying his case for selection.
His journey culminated in a dream debut in the Round 3 Western Derby against West Coast on March 30, 2025. In a moment that sent his family and the Fremantle faithful into raptures, Dudley kicked two goals in the first quarter, setting the tone for a comfortable Dockers victory. This dream start was a reward for his persistence and a powerful statement about his readiness for AFL football.
Speaking after his debut, Dudley described the experience as “pretty crazy and hectic,” a whirlwind that he never thought would happen. He credited the support of his family and the Fremantle playing group for making his transition easier. Notably, he wears the number 43 guernsey, previously worn by Indigenous Dockers legend Roger Hayden, adding another layer of significance to his debut.
Isaiah Dudley’s story is a testament to the fact that the path to AFL isn’t always linear. Overlooked in his draft year, he knuckled down, worked on his game, and earned his shot through sheer determination. Now, with famous footballing blood running through his veins and a burning desire to succeed, this new Docker is proving that he belongs on the AFL stage, and Fremantle will be hoping he has a long and impactful career in the purple and white.