Despite the securing the minor premiership, the Dockers bowed out of the AFL finals in a loss to Hawthorn at Domain Stadium.
We wonder if it’s the Ross Lyon curse, or do the Dockers need to attract some fresh faces and free agents to the club? Fremantle have been pushing for the flag for three years now and we wonder what they will need to do to secure it in 2016.
What do the Dockers need next year? Where are they weak? You feel they have good rucks, good midfield, good line breakers and a solid backline without losing Luke McPharlin. Something that they do need though is goal kickers.
Matt Taberner is not good enough as a second tall forward and with Matt Pavlich’s retirement on the line who knows who will be their main target forward.
After losing McPharlin, the Dockers could be losing some other main key position players at the end of this season, the likes of Pavlich, Ryan Crowley, and Paul Duffield, could they be departing the club? Pavlich is currently out of contract and will either stay at Freo or retire.
If they are set to lose these players, who should they have picked up during the draft and free agency?
They have many options. Looking for a replacement in the backline would stabilise Fremantle’s back six. Colin Garland, Courtney Dempsey and Michael Firrito could be perfect replacements for McPharlin.
We have heard that Lewis Jetta wants a trade back to Western Australia but we wonder if it will be West Coast or Fremantle. Fremantle don’t have a lot to offer the Swans so it appears that the young Bridgetown boy will end up back in his hometown with the Eagles.
Pavlich’s replacement could be a lot tougher. This would prompt a look to the draft for Fremantle who will hold a pick 16. So this pick will mean that Fremantle will be looking at Harry McKay?
The tall 200cm key forward has the type of attributes AFL clubs look for. He’s athletic, he can jump and take marks and kicks goals. His blocks of form were exciting during the under-18 championships for Vic Country and since then he has still produced some moments that make you think he will be a quality AFL player.
Although, at this stage he hasn’t yet been able to string them together consistently, but he is new to the talent pathway and scouts realise he is a raw talent with plenty of developing to go.
We will all be looking forward to see who they will be picking up after a successful season in the west, but we will mainly be wondering if they won’t choke in 2016.
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
He started it! He said a lot of really mean things....
Tom Baulch
Roar Guru
Paul D, the B and F count says otherwise - got 6th place did Paparone.
Tom Baulch
Roar Guru
Also Brent Stanton.
Tom Baulch
Roar Guru
All the Selwood brothers except for Joel.
Tom Baulch
Roar Guru
The whole Carlton Football club?
Tom Baulch
Roar Guru
Jack Watts?
Tom Baulch
Roar Guru
I remember Andrew Embley being the biggest spud in the AFL too.
Tom Baulch
Roar Guru
Alex Silvagni?
Tom Baulch
Roar Guru
Or Zac Dawson.
Tom Baulch
Roar Guru
Courtney Dempsey anyone?
Tom Baulch
Roar Guru
No McCarthy sorry Jamie, Pav will have to be the lone man up there. Why on earth you would be wanting the best mid in the AFL to play AFL is a little beyond me.
Tom Baulch
Roar Guru
Nice Dingo
Tom Baulch
Roar Guru
OK - i get it, i meant trading period...
Tom Baulch
Roar Guru
FYI Dalgety, that is becuase Spurr is a bloody scab across half back. He is not a great player by any means - and certainly doesnt deserve a place in the all australian team like you said...
Tom Baulch
Roar Guru
Sorry then, I was meaning that trading they have done well.
Tom Baulch
Roar Guru
Why did this article get any attention?
Tom Baulch
Roar Guru
Probably a lot more than what you have Floydy.
Tom Baulch
Roar Guru
Do you feel encouraged Floyd?
Tom Baulch
Roar Guru
Floyd leave the bloke alone.
Tom Baulch
Roar Guru
FreoSuk, they need a coach that wont choke when it comes to September plus some big goalkicking forwards.