Fremantle Dockers in line for captaincy switch

Are you still back in 2013? It's as if all your sense of self comes from what other people have achieved. If you can read, you'll have seen we've listed so many leaders. Your opinion doesn't come from much of a knowledge base.

Fyfe & Pav were both pretty "soft" in the 2013 grand final. Not a club with an overabundance of leadership options.

Which is more than we can say for you and your thoughts about a "soft" Pav.

I know I plumped for Mundy above, but I suppose there is merit in the example of Joel Selwood down at Geelong - a young man when he became captain, and he has just gotten better and better ever since he took on the job. Fyfe could yet go to another level given the same opportunity.

Interesting story behind him. Sounds like a good prospect.

I think all of those players will be a bit worried by the young crew, Tom. Along with Mayne, Subes and Clancee. Ethan is interesting. He was picked last year as a rookie after coming to Australian Rules fairly late and only playing 1 year in the WAFL and most of that in the reserves. So he's gone from playing a handful of Reserves games to the senior list of an AFL team in under 2 years. I think he's only being playing the game 5 years. He played in the "seconds" team against Port last year. I think he was close to best on ground for Freo. More importantly, from the photos accompanying the training reports on the Freo website he looks an absolute beast and must be close to KPP height now

About time, the Pavlova was well, a Pavlova........soft and sweet ! Fyfe is the man and when he retires he can have the top job at the AFL after his Brownlow speech - such an insightful reflective young man .

I have not heard much about Ethan Hughes. He's good is he? Who will make way for these young players that have been mentioned? De boer? Tendai? Crozier? Suttcliffe?

Don't get me wrong, I think he would make an excellent captain. When there is an alternate candidate that would do the job at least as well, I don't see why you'd worry giving him another thing to worry about. I might be reading too much into Lyon's naming of Mundy- I have a habit of reading into things - but that was a sign that the coach may have some reservations about giving it all to Fyfe, too.

DC, true about Mora - though he played quite a few games at Peel in '14 - but he'd know the game plan and it seems like they're pushing him harder at training than anyone else, which is interesting. I am hoping that, along with the new coaches, Ross will try a more attacking style this year, after all it's a bit of a transitional year. I think they wouldn't have selected Yarran at his age unless they were prepared to take some risks. I forgot Ethan Hughes. He's my tip for 2016 "bolter". Wilson: good news to hear that about Hale, thanks.

"why give him the extra burden of the captaincy?" Pretty much every Australian cricket captain became a better player, despite being very good before having this extra level of responsibility cast upon their lofty shoulders. Wayne Carey was very young at 22 I believe before he was named captain and is a classic example of a guy who also went to another level to become the best player in the history of the game. Give it to Fyfe. Let's see what this young man can really do. He may be the difference between leading this team to glory or falling short.

Dean, Pav seemed to be within a whisker of retiring this year, so I think he'll be savouring what time he's got left, never mind the accompaniments. He's also likely to have his workload carefully managed in 2016, so being (a sole) captain might not work so well. Having said that I don't think you'd find too many died in the wool Dockers supporters begrudging Pav another year as captain.

Morabito is finally getting to fully participate in a pre-season free of soreness and we should be celebrating that, but any expectations should be accompanied by the knowledge he's played barely a sprinkling of games in five years of footy. Bennell's adjustment is with the transition to a new team and game plan and getting comfortable can be a key in allowing a platform for that talent to be unleashed. I've been a big fan of his since I first saw his highlight reels in his draft year, so need no reminding of his talent. Balt, I'll be really excited to see the kids get a run this year too, but I think they might still have limited opportunities. Out of those kids, Grey and Weller probably offer some of the most excitement in terms of the new/premium weapons they could offer the team.

Hale always was a Strong marker in front of goal and very accurate as well so as a coach/Mentor I don't think you could do much better then him.

I think its somewhat telling that Lyon mentioned both Fyfe and Mundy. This is going to sound contrarian for contraries sake, but to me, while Fyfe is in his absolute cherry ripe prime in the next 2-3 years, why give him the extra burden of the captaincy? Either of the two would make great leaders - as would a number of Dockers players, like most AFL clubs - but I would think Mundy would have his nose in front at this stage.

Not sure I'm with you there on Tabs being a good mark, Don. But if he improves that aspect of his game then the team will be closer to Ross' extra 2 goals a game. It looks like David Hale has taken him under his wing which could be promising. Apeness will be well behind the 8 ball in terms of fitness; I'd be happy with a solid year, I assume mostly at Peel. I'm more bullish on Morabito though. So pleased that he is pain free for the first time in 4 years. I'd like to see him given his chance if he can play well in the NAB Cup and maybe a few games at Peel. My Christmas wish however is for players like Grey, Weller, Langdon and Blakely to be given their chances this year. Faster and more accurate ball movement from half back (OK, that may not be Grey's strong point but I like his competiveness all the same) and through the middle will do wonders for goal scoring.

Pav is a champion but time marches on, he should have a last season in the full forward line just concentrating on kicking goals, no extra pressure should be put on Fife, give it to Mundy for a couple of years ( captain)

I think it is insulting to even consider changing the captaincy role to someone otHer than Pavlich. He has been the spiritual leader of this club both on and off the field for many years, and carried the team through our darkest days waiting for an experienced coach to direct the team in the right direction. It's a pity that Ross only arrived at the tail end of Pavlich's career. Having Fyfe wait another year is not going to do any damage to his career. If there is any chance that Pav might have to hold the cup at the end of next season, then he should do so as captain. He deserves nothing less. I can't believe I am reading that our supporters are so quick to kick pav to the curb now that we have a new poster boy on the block. Furthermore I doubt that any of the players would still look at anyone else as their true leader of this club other than Pav. They will be the ones deciding it in any case.

I'd agree with Apeness. If Morabito is fit (and he is exploding at the moment), we need to find a way to get him onto the list. He is a top 5 player. Harley needs no adjustment. The quality of his footy has never been an issue. Freedom from Eade will only improve him. We can set crazy goals for him...and he'll attain them.

It'd be fantastic if Apeness could string together some quality games next year, but you don't generally get your bolters coming from blokes who have just spent the best part of a year on the sidelines with a knee injury. Best temper expectations there. Same with Morabito, I reckon if he gets through the year unscathed it would be absolutely bloody brilliant and anything else is a bonus. I'd also be leaning towards pulling the reins on our expectations of Harley Bennell next year too. There's a fair bit of adjusting for him to do. Other than that life's frothing over.