Can the Dockers finally step out of the shadows and become a genuine Premiership threat?
Freo will be looking to go at least one better than last season’s semi-final loss to Adelaide.
A gritty victory over 2011 premiers Geelong in the first week of the finals suggests that the Dockers are becoming more accustomed to life at the pointy end of the ladder and 2013 should be a season filled with plenty of hope for the purple faithful.
Ross Lyon has a list with a number of players in between the vital ‘80-140 game bracket’ which is all so important for winning premierships.
Although I don’t see them saluting this year, they will be around the mark.
I’m not sure if a top-four finish is in order but if all of Fremantle’s key players including Aaron Sandilands, Nat Fyfe and Michael Barlow can remain fit, then anything is possible.
Skipper Matthew Pavlich may spend more time closer to goals after his bag of 69 last year and expect Chris Mayne to have more of an impact both in the forward line and midfield.
Stephen Hill oozes class and will only continue to get better while youngsters Hayden Crozier, Lachie Neale, Josh Simpson and Jayden Pitt all have the ability to become regular senior contributors.
The midfield, which has again lost Anthony Morabito to a knee injury, led by Barlow and David Mundy with the assistance of Clancee Pearce, Tendai Mzungu, Matt De Boer, Garrick Ibbotson, Hill and last year’s Best and Fairest Ryan Crowley is in a very strong position.
Down back, Luke McPharlin is the leader of a defensive group which includes the ever-improving Zac Dawson, the dash of Paul Duffield, the agility of Michael Johnson and the courage of Nick Suban, provided he can cement a spot in Lyon’s best 22.
Freo doubters will be everywhere, as is the norm, but this year they can shrug off some critics and again feature heavily in September with the view to bigger and better things in the next couple of years.
Predicted finish: sixth
Key players
Matthew Pavlich – A quality player who can do anything. Proven match-winner who should spend more time deep in the forward line this year.
Aaron Sandilands – Monster ruckman capable of dominating games. Can Freo overcome his pre-season injury?
Nat Fyfe – An extremely talented midfielder who will be the feature of the Dockers engine room for a very long time.
Break-out potential
Michael Walters – Finally showed his class with a fine second half of last season which yielded 22 goals from 10 games. So much potential which could be completely revealed in 2013.
Hayden Crozier – Promising midfielder/half-forward. Glandular fever knocked him around last year but could bob up with some big games in 2013.
Lachie Neale – 11 games last year was a nice return for Neale who is expected to become a more consistent contributor this season.
Promising youngsters
Josh Simpson – Stephen Hill-type who takes players on and possesses clever ball use. One of the top players in the draft. One to watch.
Tom Sheridan – Pick 16 in 2011. Running half-back who is progressing nicely and will benefit from more senior football.
Jayden Pitt – Has failed to deliver after being Freo’s top pick in the 2010 draft but has sized up over pre-season and really needs to step up in 2013.
Key inclusions
Danyle Pearce – Comes over from Port Adelaide. Will find plenty of the ball by running the lines at the spacious Patersons Stadium.
Notable departures
Greg Broughton – Gold Coast Suns.
Antoni Grover – retired.
Worth a punt
Nat Fyfe to win Brownlow Medal into Freo to make top eight.
Andrew Slevison
Roar Rookie
I agree Sir Bruce-alot. Consistency is the key and something the Dockers have been unable to muster but under Lyon that could change. Luck, as always, needs to play a part and I feel Freo can have their say this year but will fall short at the business end. En garde...
Sir Bruce-alot of Tooting
Guest
Freo finished last year in some devastating form but having to play away their last three games of the year eventually took its toll, and as it is for their WA competitors the Eagles to be serious contenders a top four finish is required in order to get the home finals. For the Dockers to make the top four they need to show consistency not yet displayed. However another season under Ross Lyon and some emerging talent and a gun leader and full forward in Pavlich they have the potential, I guess we'll watch and see.
Martin
Guest
If the players are careful not to get any injuries, then I would expect them to win the premiership. They need to watch out to avoid any collisions.
bryan
Guest
Exactly! Adam McPhee is a much-underrated player,who,except when he was injured,was in there, game after game,making a significant contribution-------& he kicked a few goals,too! You need a player of similar grit & determination to fill his shoes.
rokn
Guest
Hey Judy, they might be hanging out for a buddy!!
Brendan
Guest
Fremantle were about six goals up on Geelong in the elimination final last year at quarter time and finished up winning by 15 points and had one more scoring shot than the Cats.They were clearly the better side but got off to a flyer and IMO needed to defeat Adelaide the next week to confirm this form as genuine .From memory they started well against the Crows but were beaten.The Dockers need to find consistetncy both during a game and week to week before i think you can talk of them as a flag chance.Undoubtedly Pavlich is a superstar and is probably underrated as he doesn't play on the eastern seaboard but he and Sandilands need to fire on a regular basis for them to go deep into the finals.
Judy
Guest
Andrew at last a positive comment I'd like to think we are on the right track what is everyone's thoughts on how we recruited ? Have we bungled not getting a forward ? Can Hannath play forward ?who will step up into McPhees position ? #gofreo
Andrew Slevison
Roar Rookie
TomC, I just feel that Freo won't be going backwards in 2013 and with finals experience in recent years, they could very well step up further. For me, the fact they have a solid group of guys who have plenty of experience (80-140 games) is a good sign. Clearly just my opinion so open to criticism. Thanks for the feedback!
Judy
Guest
Doesn't every team have a handful of very good players and a team of good players ? Barlow ballad fyfe Mundy Pav Crowley McPharlin Sin Son ect not a bad start I feel on right track
TomC
Roar Guru
I've said this on other threads in the past, but I think Fremantle are a bit overrated going into 2013. And I think Andrew falls into the same trap everyone else falls into, which is giving too much significance to their win over Geelong. The Dockers have a lot of good players, but only a handful of very good players, and I think that cluster of teams around the bottom of the eight and outside is where they belong. Looking forward to seeing a lot more of Walters in 2013.