After predictions early in 2016 that Fremantle was not only in reach of the top four but also an outside chance for the premiership, the Dockers were quickly exposed.
With reigning Brownlow Medalist Nat Fyfe and ruckman Aaron Sandilands succumbing to season-ending injuries early in the season, the Dockers managed just three wins and were quickly dubbed a two-trick pony.
However, the duo weren’t the only injured Dockers this year, with half of Fremantle’s 45-man squad unavailable through injury at one stage.
Through the carnage, Fremantle’s consistent performers were Lachie Neale, Lee Spurr and Michael Walters.
Lachie Neale
Neale was one of few positives for Fremantle in 2016, enjoying a breakthrough year that will likely result in a best and fairest award. The 23-year-old led the AFL for disposals with 737 at an average of 33.5, breaking Matthew Boyd’s record for the most in a season. Neale also led the club in clearances and contested possessions, averaging 7.3 and 16.3 respectively.
The hard working midfielder was on the fringes of All-Australian selection, but in the end had to settle for making the squad. Although after his performance in a bottom side this year, it is easy to believe he will be awarded All-Australian status eventually.
Lee Spurr
Another consistent season from Spurr saw him lead his club for intercept possessions and marks, with five and 6.7 per game respectively. He also had a high disposal efficiency rate with 81 per cent, trailing only maligned full back Zac Dawson. He was comfortably the Dockers’ best defender this year, often having to close down the opposition’s best sharp shooter and rarely conceding goals. At 29 and with 104 games of experience, he has been a late bloomer, yet he still has some years left in him to improve his game.
Michael Walters
Walters was Fremantle’s leading goal kicker this season, with 36 majors. The Dockers will hope Walters can keep putting in great performances in the post-Pavlich era. Although this is just his third highest goal kicking year, having kicked 46 in 2013 and 44 in 2015, Walters has significantly improved in areas such as pressure acts, metres gained and disposal efficiency. Additionally, he was Fremantle’s leader in score involvements with 138, averaging 6.3 a game. Despite debuting in 2009, this is just Walters’ third full season of AFL, having missed many games over his career through injury. At just 25, his best is still ahead of him.
The Dockers will hope to return to the top eight next year, with some big names back. However, with an old list they will need to find some young talent to give themselves a chance for the future. Should they have a decent run with player availability, they will get at least nine wins in 2017, but they will need to ease their reliance on stars Nat Fyfe and Aaron Sandilands.
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