FIVE off-season targets for EVERY AFL club: Fremantle Dockers

The Dockers have emerged as the most surprising premiership contender of 2022, with Justin Longmuir now getting the best of out of his balance of emerging stars and seasoned heads.

But while Fremantle continue to rise up the ranks after years of rebuilding, some pieces of the purple puzzle are yet to click, with their final solution perhaps relying on players currently plying their trade at rival clubs.

With the Dockers already in the middle of trade and free agency reports and rumours this year, they loom as a major player in the upcoming off-season for both gains and losses.

Looking at the former, we cast our eye over five players Fremantle could consider targeting in 2022.

TRADE TARGETS: ADELAIDE, BRISBANE, CARLTON, COLLINGWOOD, ESSENDON

Cam Zurhaar

The Roos' livewire forward is yet to recommit to North Melbourne, with reports suggesting the 24-year-old has held off on contract discussions at Arden Street in favour of assessing his options for next year.

Zurhaar, who hails from East Fremantle, would see a move to the Dockers as a return to his home state and a chance to immediately hold a place at a premiership contending club.

The bullish goalsneak is a proven threat in attack, having booted 98 goals from his 78 career matches in the blue and white, and would complement an already lethal speartip at Cockburn.

With Matt Tarberber to lead the charge, Jye Amiss waiting in the wings, and a trio of small forwards in Lachie Schultz, Sam Switkowski and Michael Walters at their feet, Zurhaar could slot into a Dockers attack with little hassle.

What would the Dockers be required to move for Zurhaar's services? It's unlikely a player-for-player trade would arise, with Fremantle's current Pick 16 - their only selection in the opening three rounds - a likely piece in any transaction.

Luke Jackson

Perhaps an obvious option for the Dockers given their already reported interest in the premiership Demon, Luke Jackson would be a perfect fit for Fremantle.

His ability to play as a target inside forward 50, aid the ruck workload and move around the ground would partner well with first-string tall Sean Darcy, who may be without a right-hand man should Rory Lobb return to the east coast.

With Jackson out of contract and yet to make his future known, a request to move back to his home state continues to become more likely the longer Demons fans are left to wait.

Melbourne will rightfully demand a war chest of assets to hand Jackson to the Dockers, with the WA club likely to hand over multiple first-round selections on top of a substantial salary to secure the 20-year-old.

Should Jackson re-sign with the Demons it'll likely be on a short-term deal, keeping the Dockers - and even Eagles - circling for the seasons ahead.

Mitch Georgiades

At ties out of favour this year and tied to Western Australian origins, could Mitch Georgiades be a target for Fremantle to consider?

The emerging Port Adelaide forward burst onto the scene and played a pivotal role under Ken Hinkley in his opening two years at Alberton, with his third seemingly his toughest to date.

With the astronomic rise of Todd Marshall, Georgiades has seemingly been surpassed as the Power's top target alongside veteran Charlie Dixon, while recruit Jeremy Finlayson has also cemented his place in the starting side.

Georgiades has managed 14 games this year for a return of 15 goals, which is by no means a poor feat for a third-year forward.

But with his place in the pecking order sliding, and with the Dockers likely to see key-forward options at season's end, Georgiades and Fremantle could be a fitting match.

Angus Brayshaw

Another clear link and the second Demon to potentially be of consideration for Fremantle, with Angus potentially linking up with his brother Andrew in purple.

Like Jackson, Brayshaw is yet to recommit to Melbourne beyond this season and is expected to be on the Dockers' radar as a viable outside midfield option.

With Blake Acres reporter to be assessing his options with little movement between the winger and the Dockers, there may be a void for Brayshaw to fill in Justin Longmuir's side.

Brayshaw might be enjoying a career-best campaign this season, despite his podium finish in the 2018 Brownlow count, with a more defensive-minded role seeing the former No.3 Pick rank top three in intercept marks ahead of Round 18.

With what Longmuir and the Dockers are building this year, Brayshaw would strengthen the club's pursuit of a premiership for the years to come in a switch to Cockburn.

Liam Baker

Another WA product that is sure to be on the radars of both sides from out west, Baker has emerged as a valuable and versatile player that can fill a role across all three lines for the Tigers.

His position at Punt Road is unparalleled in the competition, managing to dig himself into the contest and extract the Sherrin, offer a service out wide on a flank, and be a reliable option without the ball in either direction.

While Baker looms as the most likely to remain at their current club, the Dockers would be joining the Eagles as keen suitors despite their midfielder riches.

Baker is unsigned for 2023, and like Jackson would command a king's ransom to be plucked from Victoria.