What a career Matthew Pavlich has had at Fremantle. Ever since he was a young player making his way through the ranks, it was evident he was both a talent and a leader.
But with such an influence over the Dockers for so long, does Matthew Pavlich need to be their for Freo to win a flag in this era?
Throughout the early 21st Century, the AFL has been blessed by the new transitions evolving throughout football.
But nothing has ever stopped the influence of a key forward.
Matthew Pavlich is without doubt a massive influence for Fremantle. Last year he played bursts of terrific footy, but he really set up Fremantle’s success with coach Ross Lyon in 2012, when the Dockers bounced back from a disappointing era under Mark Harvey.
His 2012 season was exceptional. Every football fan can remember his qualifying final performance against the Cats at the MCG on that fateful night in early September. He and he alone put the Dockers into a semi-final with a brilliant six-goal effort, sparking the end of the Geelong era and a new beginning for Fremantle.
As a team they again backed up this performance terrifically in 2013.
They were very hard to beat at home and gave nothing to their opposition bar one major hiccup in Round 3 when Essendon pulled off a brilliant comeback in what surely had to be the story of the season.
Fremantle were again able to build success from a solid defensive group backed up by tough midfielders and skillful forwards.
The Dockers had a balanced line-up in 2013. The rise and success of players such as Ibbotson, Walters, Mayne and Suban was liberating for Freo fans, as was the ongoing consistency of Fyfe, Barlow, Ballantyne, Mundy, McPharlin and, of course, Pavlich.
One can only believe that this success was due to two things.
Firstly, the change in strategy and work ethic delivered by Ross Lyon. It may have taken a while, but Fremantle developed a strong defensive game plan that made their home a fortress where mostly small scores were kicked against them.
The other factor is the influence Pavlich had the year before and the leadership he showed throughout 2012 and the start of 2013.
Fremantle answered their critics by building strongly as the season went on, and although Pavlich missed some games, he was able to build a strong player culture which was evident throughout the finals series.
Pavlich has brought a confidence and toughness to Fremantle. He has been a gem for so many years, but under Lyon he was able to explore this side of his game.
With his natural aggression, desire and hunger, Fremantle are a better side with a premiership to win in 2014.
The question must be asked though if they can’t win it with Pav there, will they have to rebuild again?
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