Fremantle believes that they are best suited for a flag tilt since a decade ago, after building "strong foundations in the past four years".
The Dockers - who have yet to secure a maiden flag - are tipped to rise up the ladder after a pair of disappointing seasons that resulted in no action during September.
Under the tutelage of Justin Longmuir, the Western Australian club has made the finals once (2022) but has failed to become genuine contenders since 2015.
But, according to the words of Fremantle CEO Simon Garlick, that is all about to change.
"We have laid strong foundations in the past four years," Garlick said at the club's 2025 season launch.
"We have built solid walls of financial security and member and fan engagement. We have raised the roof with a playing list designed to contend, and at the heart of our home is a culture and strategy built for ongoing success.
"We are giving ourselves the best chance we've had to be in contention for a decade or more."
"2025 is not about patchwork fixes. It's about cementing our place at the top of the competition. We are not here for a one-off shot - we are building for sustained contention.
"We believe that in 2025 and beyond, what we've built here will be something opponents fear, the competition respects, and most importantly, our fans love."
On paper, Fremantle sit among the competition's best, boasting one of the more dominant midfield groups that are yet to hit their prime while stars are deployed on either end.
The issue? Turning a team of all-stars into an all-star team.
The inclusion of match-winner Shai Bolton indicates where the club believes they are at, honing in on a few missing pieces to place the Dockers among the best of the best.
Fremantle came ever so close in 2013, when the Matthew Pavlich-led side made the final Saturday in September, but went down to Hawthorn as they began their three-peat.
Two years later Ross Lyon claimed the only minor premiership in the Dockers' history, but once again, they were downed by the Hawks as they completed the trifecta.
Veterans Nat Fyfe and Michael Walters were prominent during that purple patch at Fremantle land, while Alex Pearce was just beginning his impressive career.
But now there are new kids on the block, namely midfield trio Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw and Hayden Young, who showed their stardom in 2024.
The pairing of Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss in the forward line began scaring opposition last year while unicorn Luke Jackson can just about do anything.
Young is committed long term; Treacy, Jackson, Darcy, Cox and Bolton also. Brayshaw is expected to commit long-term.
Longmuir has the means to turn Fremantle into a powerhouse, which by Garlick's words is what they've been building.
But failing to do so could spell time for the former Dockers player.
