The Dockers were arguably the surprise of the season, not many thought they'd show much in their first year under new coach Justin Longmuir.
However, they were great this year, they improved in leaps and bounds mainly due to their exciting young talent. Their stars were good as always but their youth showed great signs of a bright future for the purple haze.
It was no doubt a season of tremendous growth for the Dockers and they could arguably make a case as the league's happiest team in terms of expectations to achievements.
BEST WIN
Round 6 vs St Kilda:ย The Dockers had a shaky start to the season to say the least, at 0-4 they seemed destined for the bottom of the ladder. They beat Adelaide in Round 5, which that didn't count for much, but their win over the Saints, who were arguably the in-from team of the competition at the time, was a sensational four-quarter effort.
The Saints looked like they would kick clear late but the Dockers fought hard and scrapped to keep themselves in the game. They then showed class beyond their years to finish off the Saints in a classic, coming back from 37 points down and kicking 10 of 11 goals late into the match.
WORST LOSS
Round 14 vs GWS:ย At the time it seemed like the Giants had returned to their best, only to return to their mediocre 2020 form for the remainder of the season. The Dockers were convincingly beaten by the Giants in a game that looked like a training session at times.
They were listless and looked unable to keep up, as the Giants form dropped away it made the Dockers performance look even worse.
The Giants ended the match 38-points the better and managed to embarrass a young Dockers side in front of their home crowd.
MVP
Luke Ryan:ย Ryan took his game to a new level in 2020 as he became one of the game's best intercept defenders. He was a serious weapon for the Dockers and became key to launching many Fremantle attacks over the season.
He also flexed his ability to shut his opponent out of the game, it was a huge stride for Ryan and Fremantle, with the defender also taking home an All-Australian selection.
MOST IMPROVED
Andrew Brayshaw:ย The bullish midfielder took his game to new heights in 2020, improving on his averages for possessions, marks, clearances and rebound 50's from the year prior, all in a season of shorter quarters.
Brayshaw developed from a mid/forward utility to an all-round onballer, taking on the role as the Dockers' primary ball user in the absence of Nat Fyfe, collecting over 20 disposals on eight occasions.
NEEDS TO LIFT
Michael Walters: Walters had an injury interrupted 2020 and still showed flashes of brilliance, but as he lost continuity in his footy he lost his consistency.
If the Dockers are to improve and contend for the eight they need Walters to be at his best. If the youth at the club can keep having such an impact it may allow Walters to get off the leash a bit more in 2021.
INS AND OUTS
INS: 3rd-round pick (54)
OUTS: Isaiah Butters (del)
Jason Carter (Delisted)
Hugh Dixon (Delisted)
Jesse Hogan (Traded to GWS)
Brandon Matera (Delisted)
Cam McCarthy (Delisted)
Tom North (Delisted)
Dillon O'Reilly (Delisted)
Jarvis Pina (Delisted)
2021 CRYSTAL BALL
The Dockers took great strides in 2020, they finished higher on the ladder than many expected and more improvement may see them fight for a spot in the eight.
Defensively, the Dockers were a juggernaut. Limiting elite sides to low scores and being stingy in their possession. Justin Longmuir looks to be building an impenetrable force out West.
However, they may not face such suitable circumstances come 2021, they were able to a strong margin of games at their home ground, a scenario many clubs didn't get much of after Round 2.
They're travel also saw them play a lot of away games on neutral territory and not at their opponent's home ground as they will have to in 2021. This may be the reason their ladder position doesn't change too much next season.
