Fremantle was a whisker away from immortality, but now it is back to the drawing board at the draft.
Fortunately for the Dockers, the draft has been a success in the past thanks to the nous of list manager David Walls.
Fremantle does not want for much in terms of list needs; however, a few shrewd picks at this year's draft could help the club secure a period of sustained success in the seasons to come.
Draft hand: 19, 40, 60, 63, 78, 96, 114
The focus for the Dockers, like most teams, is to secure talent before the Tasmania diluted drafts come into effect over the next two years.
Fremantle does not have multiple high picks, but enough later selections to snare some club-linked or experienced talent.
List needs
Halfback: The Dockers have a star in Jordan Clark and gave up a first-rounder for Judd McVee. However, the latter has not come along as much as the club may have hoped in his first season.
It can take time for recruits to settle, and McVee may shine in 2027. But Fremantle might look to select a fleet-footed, clean ball user, halfback flanker with its Pick 19.
Small forward: Fremantle's forward line is potent and talented, but the Dockers need a small forward to support the emerging Isaiah Dudley next season.
The club has lost experienced leader Sam Switkowski (retired) in the forward half and will need to bring in some more speed and guile to help crumb the work of its three key forwards.
Key defender: The almost long-term injury to captain Alex Pearce highlighted the Dockers' dependency on their brave skipper.
Fremantle maintains the best defence in the league and has some emerging key defenders in the WAFL. However, the club might look to strengthen its defensive resources more with Pearce's 31-year-old body proven to be susceptible to injuries.
Picture: Craig Dooley/AFL Photos
Potential targets
Jake Soutar: The mature-age (20-year-old) Western Australian has improved out of sight in 2026 and looms as a great third tall intercepting defender. With Fremantle veteran Luke Ryan's spot in the starting 23 coming into question, 190cm Soutar could be a replacement for the Dockers. Fremantle might deem its first selection (Pick 19) to be too high for Soutar. Another key defensive option that could be available would be Clancy Snell.
Jake Eime: A South Australian who is lightning quick and a clean ball user. Eime could be the perfect partner for Clark to burst out of defence and set up the Dockers' counterattacking plays. The 182cm defender starred at the national championships for South Australia. Eime could be off the draft board by Pick 19, in which case fellow South Australian Sam Tassone could present as an option for the Dockers.
George Dimer: The best small forward of this year's draft class, Dimer is clean and a good decision-maker with elite front and centre timing. Will likely be available at Fremantle's Pick 19. The Dockers may look to bank on their Next Generation Academy product Finlay Yeo, who has all the traits of an exciting small forward but will likely be picked up late in the draft or as a rookie.
