Justin Longmuir and his team at Fremantle have become a dangerous side in recent times, but 2023 is presenting as a year where weaknesses are opening up.
Fremantle recently lost a few key players, including Lachie Neale back in 2018, Adam Cerra to Carlton, Rory Lobb to the Bulldogs and Jesse Hogan to the Giants, to name a few. Whilst 2023 has yet to hit the same strides compared to last year, what can Fremantle do to boost themselves back into contention?
In the sixth part of our trade target series, we take a look at potential players that could make their way west to become a Docker.
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The 21-year-old from Collingwood could be a bonus to the Dockers' defence to join the likes of Hayden Young, Luke Ryan and Alex Pearce.
The 193cm and 95kg medium defender could play suit the purple with the ability to create intercept opportunities whilst his key defenders clear the path for him to offer run from the defensive 50. His cleanliness by foot has also set him apart from others and could be the run-and-dash that Fremantle has lacked so far in 2023.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
Ruscoe has recorded a career-best seven marks, eight pressure acts and three spoils in his one game for Collingwood in 2023. Having been born in Perth may also be the lure that the Dockers need.
Young gun Lions midfielder Deven Roberston could also be a key piece to Fremantle's midfield that could complement stars Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong if needed. Whilst it seems Robertson could stay in Brisbane, the Western Australian could consider a return home for greater opportunities.
The 22-year-old can play both as a forward and midfielder despite being an average-sized player at 185cm and 84kg. As he has struggled to break into the Lions' senior group, he has replaced injured senior players with ease. Since being drafted at Pick 22 in 2019, Robertson has averaged 11.7 disposals per game with eight goals to his name.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
Not only can he score, but his pressure has also been up with 20 tackles, 86 pressure acts and 13 clearances from his eight games in 2023. Could another ball-winner be the key to Fremantle finding success?
Another Western Australian for the Dockers to target is Georgiades. A forward that could play well alongside Jye Amiss and Luke Jackson to create a more versatile forward line for Fremantle. With his contract running out at the end of this season and his lingering knee injury, Fremantle could have the firepower to steal Georgiades from Port Adelaide.
At 192cm and 92kg, Georgiades could be the big body to crash the contest and create opportunities for players like Michael Walters and Lachie Schultz. In his four years at Port Adelaide, Georgiades has kicked 65 goals with good accuracy.
He has also been a strong marker of the footy, amassing 4.4 marks per game. He becomes especially dangerous inside 50 with his ability to lose his defender.
Forward
Disposals
Marks
Goals
Georgiades is also known to provide pressure acts when in his side's front half, looking to force a turnover and impact the scoreboard in return.
A flank option from the Suns that could be an option in more ways than one. Once again from Western Australia, Sharp hasn't quite been able to break into the Suns' senior side this year so far. The out-of-favour utility could be the key to Fremantle, with Sharp able to fill multiple roles thanks to his versatility.
2021 was Sharp's best year, averaging 18.3 disposals per game and was able to free himself up from the contest to win a clearance for the Suns. Sharp has also been a strong marker of the ball, with the ability to make the right decision before disposing of it.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
Sharp is a taller speed option, measuring 189cm and 81kg. He has commonly played as a half-back due to his height, run and marking abilities.
Brockman, who has been linked to a potential move back to his home state, could be the replacement for the ageing Micheal Walters in the forward line. With Walters being a crucial part of the team, Brockman will have large shoes to fill.
The 20-year-old, 180cm forward is currently having a career-best year at Hawthorn. He has kicked 10 goals and laid 25 tackles that have also come with 138 pressure acts. From his 12 games played so far in 2023, he seems like the perfect fit to be Walters' successor in the coming years, or could fill a void in the attacking third if Liam Henry was to depart this year.
Forward
Disposals
Marks
Goals
Whilst he did not play in 2022 due to shoulder concerns, Brockman's debut season was also very good, with similar numbers to his current performances. Though not tall enough tobe an aerial threat, his skill set becomes evident once the ball comes to the ground. His speed and ability to duck and evade tackles make him incredibly dangerous at inside 50 stoppages.