AFL Team Profile: Fremantle Dockers

Fremantle had a disappointing 2023 after missing out on finals and the aim will be to get closer to the top eight in the new season.

After finishing fifth and playing finals in 2022, hopes were high heading into last season, but the Dockers fell away dramatically.

The pressure is now on coach Justin Longmuir and there is already talk of him being replaced should things not go to plan.

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge is a reported target and Longmuir needs a good start to the season to silence the noise.

Another top-eight finish would certainly silence the critics and Fremantle are priced at 4.00 to get there in 2024.

Let’s take a closer look at the Dockers as we head towards the new season.

Dockers fall flat in 2023

Fremantle had a season to forget in 2023 as they finished nowhere near a place in finals.

The men from the west finished the campaign down in 14th spot on the ladder after picking up just 10 wins from 23 games.

Compare that to the 15 victories they picked up in 2022, which took them to fifth, and it is easy to see why the Fremantle faithful were left frustrated.

All the optimism heading into 2023 was quickly washed away with two defeats, including a one-point loss at home to North Melbourne.

They bounced back with a win over West Coast in the derby and there were some impressive successes throughout the season.

The Dockers travelled to Geelong, Sydney and Melbourne and managed to leave with the win, but Optus Stadium was hardly a fortress as they struggled at home.

They had a poor end to the season, winning just two games out of the last nine which put an end to any hopes of reaching the top eight.

Fremantle are still a relatively new club and have yet to win a premiership, that wait is unlikely to come to an end in 2024.

They are priced at 41.00 to pull off a huge shock.

Making the top eight is probably the best they can hope for and they need a strong start or Longmuir could be on his way.

Fremantle Dockers key players

Despite their struggles in 2023, the Dockers still have plenty of talented young players in their ranks, which does give them hope.

One big setback for them was the departure of Lachie Schultz, with the small forward heading to grand final winners Collingwood during the off-season.

However, the Dockers have re-signed some key players that are the future of the club.

Among them are starlets Jye Amiss and Caleb Serong. Amiss is tied down until 2029, Serong 2027, and both will be huge for the Dockers in 2024.

Club captain Andrew Brayshaw is another shining light for Fremantle and is the envy of most sides in the AFL.

Fremantle still have plenty of experienced heads, including former Brownlow Medalist, Nat Fyfe.

The issue for Fyfe has been staying fit and he has not played as much as he would have liked over the last few seasons. It is crucial he gets his body right and plays more this season.

Michael Walters is another experienced campaigner. The small forward steps up to the plate every time for the Dockers and he will be needed again.

Sean Darcy is also one of the best ruckmen in the competition, so there is plenty to like about the Dockers.

Tough start for Freo

Fremantle get their season underway with a tough opening game against Brisbane Lions at Optus Stadium on Sunday March 17th.

A surprise win would certainly give the whole club a big lift and they are priced at 2.30 to do just that, while the Lions are available at 1.62.