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
2. Midfielders
The Dockers' top line of talent is formed by their midfield contingent, with leaders Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw among the best onballers in the competition.
They gained some support this year with the addition of Jaeger O'Meara as well as Hayden Young's move into midfield, while silver service from their star ruck pairing of Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson was a constant.
Fremantle also having an exciting crop of young midfielders coming through the ranks, with Matthew Johnson and Neil Erasmus set to enter their third seasons in purple while Nathan O'Driscoll and mid-year recruit Ethan Stanley have shown glimpses at the top level.
Their wing roles will be a watch this year, with Johnson likely to slot onto one side of the field while James Aish will press his case for the other once again. With Liam Henry departing, Longmuir could look to one of Sam Switkowski or Michael Frederick as a wing/half-forward asset to start the 2024 season.
Veteran Nat Fyfe will again share his duties between the forward and middle thirds of the field, while Will Brodie will be hoping he can return to his blistering 2022 form after a year spent mostly in the WAFL or on the sidelines.
Draftee Cooper Simpson is an outside chance for a debut early into next year but can impress with his explosiveness and run.
Getting the ruck balance right will be key for the Dockers' hopes of returning to the top eight, with Darcy needing to develop his forward craft after failing to ignite in the early days of his partnership with Jackson.
The duo hold key roles in Fremantle's spine and could be the difference in whether they're still in contention come September.
Josh Treacy can provide some support as a pinch-hit ruck/forward target if required, while Liam Reidy is on standby as a depth big man.
