LISTEN: Prepare for tears as Freo youngster tells his 'crier' mum he's making his AFL debut
Cooper Simpson and his mum both welled up as he told her he'd been named to debut against the Western Bulldogs.
During the 2006 season, Fremantle fans had reason to think that their club had come of age. Towards the end of the season, the club won nine games in a row and stormed into the finals.
They went on to win a semi-final against Melbourne, finally ending their dream season on the SCG against Sydney.
If they had beaten Sydney, they would have faced West Coast, a club that they had already clinically disposed of twice that year.
Now, just a few short years later, the Dockers find themselves on the bottom of the ladder, winless after four rounds.
What has gone wrong? Did they get ahead of themselves and think they were better than they were?
Either way, what the club needs now is what Mark Harvey is providing: a pathway forward for their not inconsiderable young talent. Against a rampant St Kilda, Fremantle played four first year players.
Harvey is not shielding the players from the fight, but then, he may not have a choice. With the well documented leaving of eight senior players last year, there is only onechoice available to the rookie coach, the future.
Unless Harvey is allowed the time to develop this squad, as we have observed other coaches such as Clarkson do, then Fremantle is destined to repeat the sins of the past.
And the sins of clubs such as Richmond.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
Cooper Simpson and his mum both welled up as he told her he'd been named to debut against the Western Bulldogs.
We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
Geelong has been crafty and creative in its list management and has quietly assembled a very exciting young group of midfielders and half-forwards.
Brisbane co-captain Lachie Neale will be looking to lead his team to a victory against Melbourne in what will be his 250th AFL game.
Fremantle football general manager Joe Brierty has staunchly defended backman Jordan Clark, following his role in the umpire dissent controversy that dominated headlines following…