After a disappointing 2023 season that followed a finals-finishing campaign, Fremantle will have their sights set on a September return next year.
The club endured an unwanted player movement period, losing all of Liam Henry, Lachie Schultz and Joel Hamling despite the club's desire to retain all three players.
Without a first-round selection at the National Draft as well, the Dockers couldn't add in leading draft talent despite a 14th-placed finish.
Senior coach Justin Longmuir enters the 2024 season off-contract and needs to prove this year was an outlier in his journey with the Western Australian club.
With no headling recruits making their way to Cockburn, it's likely the Dockers will start the new season with a side made up of 2023 listed players and without some key roles players.
So, what does Longmuir's best side for next season look like? We've had a go at naming Fremantle's best 23-man team for 2024...
BEST 23s: ADELAIDE, BRISBANE, CARLTON, COLLINGWOOD, ESSENDON
1. Defenders
The Dockers will again look to rely on a formidable defensive line again in 2024, led by skipper Alex Pearce and All-Australian backman Luke Ryan on Justin Longmuir's last line.
Key tall Brennan Cox has been an integral piece in the Dockers' defensive stocks over the past couple of seasons and will again partner with Pearce to negate the opposition's key forward threats.
At their feet, Brandon Walker and Jordan Clark will offer two-way run while Heath Chapman will be a welcomed addition after the emerging flanker spent a majority of the 2023 season on the sidelines.
Star backman Hayden Young is poised to continue his transition into the middle of the field but will spend periods of next year across half-back.
Ethan Hughes will provide some run as a depth option, while James Aish, Corey Wagner, Karl Worner and Jeremy Sharp could all do the same.
Second-year backman Hugh Davies could get a look at his first AFL minutes in 2024 after the departure of Joel Hamling, while draftee Ollie Murphy also adds to the club's key defensive stocks.
