Walsall's Freddie Draper hungry for more after first hat-trick
Freddie Draper is striving to continue his rich vein of form in front of goal for Walsall after scoring his first career hat-trick.
His treble saw Walsall come from behind on three occasions, including a dramatic 96th-minute equaliser in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Newport County at Rodney Parade on Friday night.
The celebration which followed was equally iconic as the goals, as he launched into a forward roll, ripped off his shirt and unveiled the name on the back to the ecstatic away supporters.
Walsall have scored back-to-back hat-tricks after Isaac Hutchinson’s treble in the 4-1 demolition of Gillingham the previous weekend.
Draper extended his season tally to eight goals and has averaged a goal every 121 minutes in a Saddlers shirt.
The 19-year-old revealed that he has exceeded his personal targets so far, but it not willing to rest on his laurels.
“What I am trying to do is score at least five in 10. I just missed out actually the other week – I got five in 11 when I came in,” he revealed.
“I am just trying to score as many goals as I can. It’s been quite frustrating that I’ve only been scoring ones.
“But I’ve only had a few chances a game, which I am just happy I am being ruthless. I know in myself that I can score two’s and three’s.
“That’s the first time I’ve scored three and I just need to keep the mentality of getting in the right positions, and not settling for one or two.
“I need to keep going and strive to be better and better.”
The forward has a formidable shot conversion rate of 22.3 per cent, and is just two goals shy of League Two top scorer Will Evans.
While his goals have earned him such great admiration, it’s his tireless work ethic which has served as the foundation for his strong start at Bescot.
And Draper is focused on improving every aspect of his game, as he continues to develop into the ultimate all round centre-forward.
Draper said: “I strive to be not just a goal scorer, but an all round striker. I want to give different things. I want to go in behind, I want to go to feet, I want to be able to bully defenders, which I think I do. I’ve been playing regularly and I see the benefits of that.
“It’s one of those things where I just need to keep doing it and the hard work will keep showing.”
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