Unexpected sums up the Fremantle Dockers' 2021 campaign, as they were in the finals hunt all season but lost four of their final six games to eventually miss out on September action.
While their season ended in disappointment, Freo did manage to overachieve given they weren't tipped to break past the bottom tier of the competition.
They put forth a respectable effort in most contests, especially when considering the plethora of injuries suffered to their backline, which raises questions about how formidable a fit defensive unit could be?
The Dockers' surprise emergence can be attributed to the ascendence of young guns Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong and with a strong outing in this past draft, they will look to continue this trend as club legends David Mundy and Nat Fyfe wind down their careers.
Unfortunately, for Fremantle to take the proverbial next step, they must address their scoring woes, as they ranked amongst the league's worst for putting points on the board. Whether top draftee Jye Amiss or the return to form of Michael Walters will bolster the Dockers firepower remains to be seen.
With their premiership roadmap laid out last November, how will Justin Longmuir's side respond as they strive to deliver on the club's promise to their supporters?
Is this the year Longmuir guides Fremantle back to September?
It's quite clear that Fremantle's top-tier talent holds up with the league's best, but the laissez-faire output from their lower echelon is holding them back. Either their current crop of fringe players need to stand up or make way for the assortment of youngsters who've been drafted over the past several years.
To stake a finals claim, the Dockers would also need to figure out their road woes, given they lost seven games away from Optus and looked ill-prepared for the majority of these contests -ย a very concerning trend that screams 'unready for finals footy'.
Justin Longmuir has taken a back-to-front approach since arriving in WA, constructing his defence in the ilk of his infamous 2018 Collingwood backline, before setting his sights on the centre last season. With 2022 upon, us Longmuir must finally address his side's Achilles heel in Fremantle's abysmal forward line if they are any chance to be a legitimate threat.
Barring injury, can the Dockers boast the best defence in the comp?
2021 was a revolving door for the Dockers defence with the likes of Alex Pearce (12 games), Hayden Young (eight), Heath Chapman (six) and Joel Hamling (one) missing substantial chunks of the season.
Yet, with a full assortment of backmen now at their disposal, in addition to their acquisition of Jordan Clark, Fremantle has the opportunity to wreak havoc on the rest of the league. If all are fit and firing, the Dockers have a tremendous balance of attacking, intercepting, spoiling and marking options to pick from.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
Fremantle was already third in the league for rebound 50's, averaging 34.5 per game, meaning that their transition game is already an issue for most. Conversely, they rank 10th in one-percenters (42.4 per game) and 13th in tackles (48.5 per game), meaning that if the Dockers can tighten up these areas of dearth through consistent team chemistry, then they may boast one of the strongest defences in the league.
Will Fremantle's midfield compare to the league's elite as they usher in a new era of on-ballers?
The Dockers have long relied on the iconic duo of David Mundy and Nat Fyfe to carry their midfield, but given the pair's age and injuries, Freo will be forced to increase the on-ball minutes for some of their less established talents and fresh draftees.
While the likes of Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong have begun to cement themselves as the Dockers' current, and future, stalwarts, there remains an essence of uncertainty around the remainder of their on-ballers.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
For instance, James Aish, Liam Henry, Will Brodie and Darcy Tucker have proven to be nice pieces at the AFL level but have simultaneously not broken away from their supporting roles to date.
For Fremantle to continue building towards their inaugural premiership these sorts of players have to perform at a higher level.
Additionally, the fresh additions of highly touted draftees Neil Erasmus and Matthew Johnson should bolster the Dockers' engine room. Still, the degree to which that can impact at the top flight remains to be seen, as their debuts remain imminent.
New year, same woes in front of goal?
Fremantle's complete and utter lack of competency inside 50 derailed what was otherwise a promising campaign in 2021.
The Dockers struggled mightily when Matt Taberner couldn't get firing, with Rory Lobb and Josh Treacy playing well in spurts but remaining relatively underwhelming in totality. Their smalls were nullified to filling spots in the best 22, aside from Lachie Schultz who was a problem when he got reliable service.
Freo's scoring woes can be summed up by; 15th in goals scored (7.5 per game), =13th in goal assists (five per game), 17th in shots on goal (15.6) and 16th in shot efficiency (41.8%)
Hopefully, the welcomed addition of straight-shooter Jye Amiss will help sure up their suspect forward line, otherwise, September seems (pun intended) a miss again.
Will Michael or 'Sonny' turn up in 2022?
Michael Walters is the Fremantle Football Club's barometer.
He appeared lost in 2021 as his role frequently fluctuated between the forward 50 and centre. Walters was still good for a goal a game but lacked the X-factor displayed in previous seasons as he only tallied 20 plus touches three times from 19 appearances.
He looked no longer appeared to be 'Sonny' on the oval and instead appeared to revert back to being Michael.
While injuries had plenty to play in this lull, if the Dockers are going to continue in their tilt for a premiership, Walters needs to have his role clearly defined going into 2022.
In essence, sit the man forward and let him make some good ol' Sonny magic.
