Pat Voss says Essendon delisting was the right call and helped shape him ahead of game No.50 for Fremantle

As he prepares to play his 50th game for Fremantle, fan favourite Pat Voss has quickly become a ‘what if?’ question for Essendon supporters.

But the former Bombers-listed forward has admitted his delisting from the Victorian club at the end of 2023 was the right call at the time.

“If I was the list manager when I was out of contract that year, I would have given myself the arse as well,” Voss said on Triple M.

“Those two years have shaped me so much. I got (into) some great habits, some great learnings, and it’s all sort of led to where I’ve got to today and played a vital role in my journey.

“The old cliche of ‘everything happens for a reason’ is true. I ended up in Perth at Freo at the right time, in the right place.

“I’ve been able to etch out 50 games so far, which is pretty special.”

Voss has become an increasingly vital part of Fremantle’s forward set-up across his three years in WA.

Aside from being the Dockers’ enforcer, he’s booted 41 goals this season to form a potent three-headed monster alongside Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss. Voss’ two goals against Carlton ensured that trio became the first in the club’s history to boot 40+ goals each in a year.

Voss’ career-best campaign led to a national shout-out from teammate Jordan Clark on stage at the All-Australian awards ceremony this week, praising his all-round impact.

“Everyone probably dislikes him, but I absolutely love him,” Clark said.

“You want him on your side. He can play on the edge – very close, at times – but he has the biggest heart.

“(He’s) one of the most selfless people in the AFL in terms of playing that way and being the antagonist… it’s an important role for us that he plays.”

Voss will be looking to continue his strong record in big games and big environments for the Dockers’ September campaign, starting with next week’s qualifying final against Hawthorn.

The 23-year-old has booted 15 goals in three career games at the MCG, while he was Freo’s leading forward in his sole finals appearance last year with three majors in the loss to Gold Coast.