Fremantle skipper Nat Fyfe is confident a brighter future lies ahead for the AFL club, but says they need to find a way to stop falling “off the cliff” late in seasons.
The Dockers’ big-man stocks were ravaged by injuries this year, resulting in a 13th-placed finish and the sacking of coach Ross Lyon.
It continued a worrying trend of horrendous fadeouts for Fremantle over the past four years.
The Dockers lost eight of their last nine games in 2016, 11 of their last 13 in 2017, 10 of their last 14 in 2018, and eight of their last 10 this year.
The axing of Lyon and chief executive Steve Rosich sent shockwaves through the club, but has also paved the way for a fresh start.
Fyfe believes Fremantle possess a good spine of players to take the team forward, and he’s hopeful success isn’t far away.
“The promising sign is that we beat some good sides when they were playing their best footy – Giants away, Collingwood away, Geelong at home,” Fyfe said.
“So going into next season we’re not daunted about taking on the best teams in the competition.
“We fell off the cliff again, which I think is the fourth time in a row that’s happened to our club.
“What we do need to work on is ironing out our inconsistencies and finding ways to win multiple games in a row.”
Fremantle lost nine games by 50 or more points last year.
This season the figure was just one – a 91-point loss to West Coast in round 16.
Fyfe says it’s hard to predict when exactly success will come. But he’s confident it will come.
“I think our spine is in great shape and our age demographic is in the slot,” Fyfe said.
“If you look at Jesse Hogan, Matt Taberner, Rory Lobb, Alex Pearce, Joel Hamling, Sean Darcy as our ruck – that is a really solid six or seven players, and they set up the skeleton of our team.
“If we can keep those players fit and available on the field for 20 games next year, we should be a pretty good football side.”
Fremantle face a fight to retain star wingers Brad Hill and Ed Langdon.
Fyfe hopes they’ll stay, but says he won’t be getting down on his knees “and pleading”.
Former Docker and current Collingwood assistant Justin Longmuir is the frontrunner to be appointed Fremantle’s next head coach, but Peter Sumich is also in the running.
Fyfe says he wants a coach that is well equipped with the modern game, has got a good handle on personal relationships, and is able to build a good culture.
And as for the future of Lyon?
“I don’t think that’s the last we’ve seen of Ross Lyon,” Fyfe said.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
The word last weekend was that he is close to signing...just the terms. This seems like the right time of the year for this.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Don, do you know what's the go with the Tucker delay? Contract negotiations progressing slower than preferable? Money discussions? Contract length disagreements? I know he's just built a house in Perth so he won't be leaving, I'm just curious about why he in particular has drawn out the contract talks.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
How many of those do you think were there when Suma was? Hard to know the point you are making there.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
You are not reading. I just showed you the opposite is true. Suma was not a good assistant, Kirk went home to his home club. Who is the other "good" assistant? Surely you don't refer to Guerra. He was just no good. It was not Ross who sent him packing. You keep getting it wrong.
Jack A
Guest
Suma spent approx 10 years as a WC assistant coach and there didn’t seem to be any major divisions during that time. Burns, Walsh and Teague all spent significant time there and Voss was signed on before he took the Brisbane job.
ScottyJ
Roar Rookie
He thinks he can...
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Yes. I expect they'll take Robertson if he's available. I notice his uncle, Darren Glass, has just been appointed to recruitment at West Coast. We'll have him by the time they get to WC. Henry too. Don't know about Wood. We have the tall forwards. Just need to get them on the track. Certainly, not Wood for Langdon. Langdon for Quinton Narkle and a 2nd round draft pick? It is still only press comment on Hill and Langdon but Fyfey might have conceded something today. If Hill goes, we get the deal we want or he stays. It's up to the Saints or Hawks to work something that will get 2 of Jack Martin, Tim Kelly or Sam Powell-Pepper. I'd love SPP running around protecting Sunny and Fyfey.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
They didn't. That's the difference.
anon
Roar Pro
Brendon Bolton the little coach that could.
anon
Roar Pro
I just hope it is not Suma, who undermines people, has favourites and causes divisions. That's Rossy's modus operandi. Rossy drove three good assistants away in a 12 month period.
ScottyJ
Roar Rookie
They still do speak of Bolton fondly. That's great that most have signed on. Hopefully the Brad Hill trade and get Tim Kelly to the club. Don't mind a swap with North Langdon for Wood. Our 1st pick take the WA U18 captain even though he's coming back from a shoulder. Henry as NGA will be a great addition. Plus everyone back from injury. Then the future does look bright.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
With all but 2 of the whole playing group (and Tucker is about to sign) having extended contracts over the past few years, we know how tight this group is. This is especially true of the bunch coming through over the past 3 and 4 years. With Fyfe, Mundy, Sunny and the Hills leading them, whoever coaches them will have a tight mob to work with. I just hope it is not Suma, who undermines people, has favourites and causes divisions.
anon
Roar Pro
They all spoke fondly of Bolton when he copped it in the neck.
ScottyJ
Roar Rookie
Here's hoping after their big call that the powers that be get the decision right. Waiting with baited breath.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
This boy is a class act...and when he speaks fondly of Ross, he speaks as a voice for the whole playing group.