The offseason will be a series of articles analysing each team’s list management, trade and free agency targets, and the biggest recruitment decisions to be made as the end of another season approaches.
The Bombers were first up, and now it’s time for the Dockers.
What they need?
Apart from a healthy list next year, the Dockers desperately need goal-scoring prowess.
It’s been the same dilemma for a few years now. With the departure of club great Matthew Pavlich, and the question marks over the futures of Chris Mayne and Hayden Ballantyne at the club, Matthew Taberner (45 games), Michael Walters (94 games), Hayden Crozier (50 games) and Shane Yarran (6 games) make up a very experienced forward group heading towards 2017.
They need a key forward target to take over the forward half, and lead Fremantle into their next era of success.
The Dockers also need another pillar in defence. Michael Johnson – aged 31 – is coming off a serious injury, while Zac Dawson, 30, and Alex Silvagni, 28, are also ageing in defence.
Providing another key defender to help guide youngster Alex Pearce would be beneficial.
Biggest uncontracted names
Michael Barlow
Chris Mayne (UFA)
Ed Langdon
Anthony Morabito
Alex Silvagni
Zac Clarke (UFA)
Matt De Boer (UFA)
Best signing of the year
Lachie Neale – The Dockers signed their most valuable player of the season on a three year contract, tying him to the club until the end of 2019.
While the rest of his midfield group went down injured, Neale had an incredible year – averaging 33.5 disposals – 16.3 contested – seven clearances and almost five tackles across his 22 game-season.
He also led the AFL in total disposals with 737 and total effective disposals with 537.
And for the second year in a row, he’s been included in the 40-man All-Australian squad; elevated himself as one the best ball-winners in the competition, and will be awarded with his first best and fairest medallion.
Who won’t be there next year?
UFA’s – There’s four unrestricted free agents, and don’t be surprised if none of them don the purple in 2016. Mayne and Clarke loom as the most valuable assets for compensation.
Matthew Pavlich – It’s the end of an era, as the greatest Docker of all time played his final game after a stellar 17-year career.
Tendai Mzungu – The midfielder is out of contract, and after playing only five games in an injury-depleted year for the Dockers, his future at the club looks doubtful.
Anthony Morabito – The luckless midfielder signed a rookie contract at the end of 2015, but after recording only three games in six years, he could seek a fresh start somewhere else after being plagued by injury at the Dockers. Morabito played the last seven WAFL games of the season, with some solid form off half-back.
Garrick Ibbotson and Nick Suban aren’t certainties to remain at Domain Stadium in 2017 either.
Best find of the year
Connor Blakely – As the 34th pick in the 2015 Draft – Blakely had a standout debut season in the Dockers’ midfield – playing 15 games, earning the Round 11 Rising Star Nomination and averaging 20 touches a game.
Darcy Tucker – The 19-year-old defender settled into the Dockers’ line-up in his debut year – registering 12 games with an average of 15 disposals and four tackles a game.
Shane Yarran – The 27-year-old forward debuted in Round 18, and played every game to round out the season. He kicked a goal in each of his six games – including three goals in the Dockers’ big loss to GWS.
Biggest decision looming
Cam McCarthy – the GWS forward hasn’t played AFL in a year after struggling with homesickness and his mental health, and the Dockers aren’t the Western Australian club interested him.
They couldn’t get the deal done a year go, but how will this play out in October? Other than McCarthy, the club must convince Nat Fyfe to re-sign before he hits the free agency market in a year’s time.
Throw a lifeline to…
Jay Schulz – One year ago, the Dockers targeted Port Adelaide’s Jay Schulz with a reported two-year offer. Fast-forward to the end of 2016 and Schulz has been delisted and the Dockers are even more desperate to sign a forward. Schulz is keen to play on, and the Dockers could sign him on a very cheap, one-year contract, with all but no-risk required.
Jack Grimes – Grimes seems set to leave Melbourne, and the former captain – at only 27 years of age – could be a great addition to an undermanned and ageing backline.
Trade targets
Brad Hill – The three-time premiership Hawk has already met with Ross Lyon, and is reportedly keen to join his brother Stephen at the Dockers in 2017.
At his best, Hill is a classy winger who can average 20 touches and a goal a game.
Rory Lobb – Damian Barrett reported that GWS ruck/forward Rory Lobb could seek a trade to his home state of WA in the offseason. Lobb is 23 years old and has been one of the breakout players in the competition this year.
He’s a mobile ruck/forward – who fits Fremantle’s bill perfectly – and kicked 26 goals this year, as well ranking second overall for total contested marks in the competition.
Cam McCarthy – After a year out of the game, does McCarthy have more or less value than this time last season. Will be interesting to see how GWS and Fremantle go about their business. He kicked 35 goals in 2015.
Aaron Black – Black has been linked to a move to Fremantle for three years, and after recording 0 senior games this season, he could finally join the Dockers’ forward outfit. At 25, he has plenty to offer a side lacking forward depth. His best years with North were 2013 and 2014, where he kicked 33 and 26 goals respectively. A trade would need to be manufactured, as Black is contracted until the end of 2017.
Shane Kersten – The Herald Sun is reporting that Fremantle and Geelong could do a straight swap, with Ballantyne joining the Cattery, and Shane Kersten – a key, uncontracted forward returning to WA. 2016 has been his best career year – kicking 22 goals from 17 senior appearances, including an average of 4.7 marks a game.
Marley Williams – Williams has been in and out of the Pies’ best 22 this year, and finds himself uncontracted at the end of 2016. The small defender is from WA, and could be an option to lively up Fremantle’s transition defence. Decision-making and skill execution are his biggest concerns, but he’s an attacking defender who provides a spark.
Trade bait
Michael Barlow – The midfielder hasn’t resigned with the Dockers, and he admitted earlier in August that he was assessing all of his options this offseason. He’s from Victoria, is 28-years old, and the Dockers could ask for an early second-rounder in exchange for the injury-riddled midfielder.
Draft Picks – As it currently stands, the Dockers have pick No.3 in the draft. They will not want to part with this pick in their dealings for Brad Hill and Cam McCarthy.
The club will want to use their first pick in the draft on Claremont midfielder, Sam Petrevski-Seton, who is being pitted as a top five pick.
They don’t have a second-rounder, but with compensation from their unrestricted free agents, and possible deals for Ballantyne and Nick Suban, they could strengthen their draft and trading position with an influx of second-round draft selections.
Nick Suban – The defender played in only 15 games this year – his lowest since 2012. Suban is contracted until 2017, but has emerged as a genuine target for Victorian clubs throughout the season. Suban is an ideal candidate for a straight swap with another club, or he could be used as bait to gain a second rounder.
Ed Langdon – The 20-year-old put contract talks on hold earlier this year, and rumours have swirled that he is keen to join his brother, Tom, at Collingwood next season.
Hayden Ballantyne – If Fremantle can entice Geelong, West Coast and Essendon (who are rumored to be interested in the small forward) into a bidding war, they can be in prime position to dictate the fate of this trade. If he wants out, let him go, but make sure the club is adequately reimbursed.
Surprise move of the off-season?
Fremantle to make a major play for Hawthorn player, Ryan Schoenmakers. He is a swingman who can play forward, back or as a chop-out in the ruck.
After playing in Hawthorn’s premiership last year, he’s managed only four games due to an ongoing injury. He’s contracted until 2017, so a trade would need to be agreed on.
If not Schoenmakers, than it may be Nathan Vardy from Geelong. If the Cats are keen on Ballantyne, Vardy could be put on the table in the exchange for the Dockers. He’s had a horrible run with injury, but his luck could change with a fresh start at a new club.
13th man
Guest
My thinking is SPS with our first choice, I doubt English will be there with our second but perhaps Luke Strnadica, another big ruckman forward?
Don Freo
Guest
Doesn't want to leave Freo either.
13th man
Guest
I live in the UK so what are you complaining about?? ☺
13th man
Guest
Don't rate Black at all but I am a fan of Kersten, talk of a straight swap for Ballantyne interests me but Ballaz doesn't want to leave WA it seems.
johno
Guest
Depends on if we get McCarthy and Lobb in the trades. Or Hogan - get 1 or 2 of those and the decision may be to get SPS with #3, if we only get McCarthy then English may be first choice. Annoying thing is SPS is from Freo's indigenous academy zone, but we can't have him as he was to old to sign to the academy
Balthazar
Guest
I lived in Sydney for years so only saw a couple of games per year. This year I haven't been at all, down to circumstances really. Fully intend to remedy that next year
Justin Abbott
Guest
The No.3 Draft Pick is an interesting topic on its own; Is SPS the obvious pick? Or is English the sleeping giant that just needs a couple of years in the Gym. Could be a crucial decision. Its not like Freo can afford to waste it given our last top 10 pick was Morabito 2009 - what a terribly sad story, so unlucky. I heard SPS has had injury troubles. Given Bennell, Fyfe and Pearce have all had significant injuries with some risk ahead - I wonder if a surer body is the way to go in English? Or one of the Victorian lads considered to be in the top 5..? PLEASE DONT STUFF IT UP FREO!!!!!!!
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Hahaha, you and Dalgety are both great! I love Freo but very rarely attend games (just two this year - one at Eithad and one here in Adelaide) so I'm really trying to get my thoughts heard on here! Do you go to many games?
Balthazar
Guest
Ha! Thanks but you should ask Dalgety. He thinks my trading and structures are nuts...
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Wow, I feel desperately under qualified to comment when I'm surrounded by brilliant commenters like yourself, Bathazar. You make very good points. I've read excellent reports about Harley's two games back in the last fortnight (with Peel reserves and then Peel seniors) and as I've mentioned before, I'm super excited to get him on the field next year. I don't know much about SPS if I'm honest, but I'm optimistic about our drafting/trading period. By the way, the 'AFL media video' that I mentioned I saw Balic in was the 'Going Places series' that aired before the draft last year; Darcy Tucker also featured in it and Weller was featured in 2014. It's a real good watch, and first got me excited about Balic and Tucker.
Balthazar
Guest
Balic, I think, could prove the pick of the young players. And saying that, I rate all of Weller, Blakeley, Tucker and Langdon highly. Thanks for this Tiarne, you've done your research. I'd probably argue that Freo won't look at any of Schulz, Schoenmakers, Black or Williams. None of them are first choice for their current teams and they'd just be list cloggers in the end. I expect the club is being quite straightforward when it says it will be going to the draft for the next 3 or 4 years, although it would change its mind if it could get Lobb or Hogan at the right price. In terms of the draft, I nailed my colours to the SPS flag a while ago. He has skill and grunt and is quite good defensively. He'd add another skillset to the midfield. Having said that, if they took English instead, I would still be quite happy. They'll need to find a young ruck somewhere, and a good tall defender. I'm not so worried about the forward line - with Apeness, Balic (unless he's played back) and Yarran having a pre-season, Cam McCarthy coming in (I can't see the AFL allowing GWS to let him sit out another year) and Bennell and Fyfe rotating, it looks pretty good on paper - but they sure have trouble moving the ball from defence to the forward line. Still, Crozier and Weller will I think be good running half backs and Collins and A Pearce show promise, so there's a bit to work with (broken leg aside). Things seem to have clicked for a quarter or two recently, so I am quite excited to see what the team looks like in 2017. It will be quite different, that's for sure.
David C
Guest
Why would Geelong take a UFA in a trade? They can sign them for nothing.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Yeah, okay, I get your points about Sheridan and Crozier. The 5 years compared to the two years really does show that Langdon has showed a hell of a lot of potential pretty quickly, I guess. And yes, I've been ridiculously excited about Balic. I remember watching him on one of the AFL media videos where they featured him last year (can't quite remember the name of it at the moment) and I though that he was a kid that I'd love at Freo. Turns out we got him (what a catch that was!) and I can't wait to put him on the field next year. Harley played in a Peel reserves came a fortnight ago and racked up over 30 touches, before getting 17 in a Peel seniors game last weekend. The kids got potential, and I can't wait to see him on the park.
Don Freo
Guest
Balic was terrific on Saturday with his first game back.
Justin Abbott
Guest
I think if you look closely at my point, it is the comparison of Sheridan/Crozier development in 5 years, as opposed to Langdon's in 2 years. - That tells you Langdon could be a genuinely regrettable loss. And further, that is a decent length of time for the former two to be showing something. At present, neither are A graders, and that's what you need from those sorts of picks to contest with the best. They need to be better than the likes of Suban and Deboer etc On a separate topic, Harley Ballic could prove to be worth the Top 5 pick he was at one time touted as, now that his wrist issues are seemingly solved. Could be a massive win and contributor to the new brigade!
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
You make excellent points, Dalgety. Yeah I've been very impressed with Crozier. He's showed a real effort the past 12 months and that's a fantastic thing. I also agree with your points on Sheridan. Freo 'haters' will remember him for that dropped mark in the prelim last year, but anyone who bothers to actually do a little research will see him as a player that - although slowly - is improving. I actually cannot wait for 2017 to see the continued improvement.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
The really pleasing thing about Crozier is that he took it upon himself to put in a big pre-season last summer (apparently modelled on Fyfe's of the previous year) and develop more strings to his bow. He seemed in a fair bit of danger of a talent going to waste. That move to the backline also really freed him up and was a great injection of skills and vision that really boosted Freo back there. If he continues his trajectory and effort he'll really be a player to watch next year. Sheridan has developed a little slowly, but prior to this year he'd had only stunted opportunities in the side. He's still getting his feet in the AFL really and it has been good to see what he's done with a go in the middle and really late in the season as a run-with player. We may not really know how much he could progress until about this time next year.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
I'd argue that Crozier has improved a lot during his move back to defense this season. I really rate the guy, and hope he continues his mini 'form-resurgence' next season.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
He was probably referring more to my reply. I was in two minds about reacting like that but I didn't think his joke was all that funny. I realised the sarcasm but still.
Justin Abbott
Guest
Agree with you on Langdon. He has shown plenty in a short time. Fast with a very good kick. Quite advanced when you compare him to Sheridan or Crozier (both top 20 picks'ish) who are hovering on mediocrity.