After playing in September and winning a final in 2022, the Dockers slid back into familiar territory throughout the 2023 season, claiming just 10 wins from 23 starts to finish the year in 14th position.
Though a tougher fixture and injury issues struck Justin Longmuir's men, Fremantle's inability to beat bottom-eight sides in Adelaide, North Melbourne, Richmond and the Western Bulldogs - twice - as well as only beating one finalist - Melbourne - meant they were destined to miss September.
However, with individual class continuing to come to the fore at Cockburn, if the Dockers can continue seeing rises from young talent, and thatch it with the strong form of their nucleus, the sky remains the limit for the Purple Haze.
2024 Expectations
Akin to other sides beneath the top-eight cutoff from last season, Fremantle will hold hopes of returning to the finals action in 2024. And with an evenly balanced list, stacked with a
strong local flavour, should all integral cogs spin correctly, these hopes can very well be fulfilled.
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Though the loss of players like Lachie Schultz and Liam Henry will hurt Fremantle's pace and connection, the pair of departures open the door for the Dockers' next generation to stake their claim at senior level.
Star Player: Caleb Serong
At just 22, Serong capped another stellar season in purple and white by claiming his debut All-Australian blazer and first Doig Medal.
And for those who have witnessed the Gippsland native's thirst for the contest, few, if any, will be betting on these being his last, either. Though built like Tiny Tim, Serong racked up an elite 30.7 disposals and 7.6 clearances from 22 starts, elevating himself to true top dog status at Cockburn.
