After incremental improvements in the first two seasons under Coach Justin Longmuir, Fremantle made the quantum leap in 2022 by playing finals football for the first time since 2015. And they disappoint.
In a season filled with successes, the Dockers made tremendous strides finishing with 15 wins, six losses, and a draw. More than the actual win-loss record, the continual growth of its upcoming young players and middle to lower-tier players made the difference in becoming one of the more formidable sides to play against.
With an array of confidence under the belt, Fremantle made important moves during last season's trade period despite losing Rory Lobb (Western Bulldogs), Blake Acres (Carlton), Griffin Logue and Darcy Tucker (North Melbourne).
Bringing home Jaeger O'Meara and Luke Jackson is going to shore up its midfield and ruck stocks respectively, whilst Josh Corbett has potential for more opportunities, having fallen out of favour at the Gold Coast Suns.
As the side's first match of the home and away Season is only days against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium, these are the five burning questions hovering over the Dockers.
1. Will the plan to play Nat Fyfe as a forward work?
This season, Fremantle is planning on having Nat Fyfe play a permanent forward role. Season 2022 was a frustrating one for the two-time Brownlow medallist, as an assortment of injuries restricted him to only seven games. However, with the Dockers' midfield substantially deep, there won't be a heavy load for the superstar to carry on his shoulders.
Throughout his illustrious 209-game career to date, the 31-year-old has been a regular scoreboard contributor. In nine of his thirteen seasons, Fyfe has kicked 10 or more goals, including a career-high 24 in 2014 and 17 in the first of his two Brownlow campaigns in 2015.ย
After displaying his forward craft during pre-season hitouts against Adelaide and Port Adelaide, a bounce-back campaign is on the cards.
With Rory Lobb's departure to the Western Bulldogs during the off-season, Fyfe will fill the vacant tall spot. One less issue the Dockers have to contend with.ย
