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Fremantle’s top 10 players of the decade

Who were the best in the royal purple over the past 10 years?

Published by
Brodie Hoyne

The decade saw the Dockers come agonisingly close to their first ever flag.

But who were the best during the club's strongest ever period?

We've ranked our top 10 Dockers of the decade below!

Stephen Hill

Fremantle's champion half-back of the last 10 years. Their attack stems from the back from release and run of this man. Who can forget the goal off the interchange against the Cats back in 2013? A Ross Glendinning medalist and features at half-back at Fremantle's 25 since '95 side.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Stephen Hill of the Dockers looks to pss the ball during the round two AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Essendon Bombers at Optus Stadium on March 31, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Lachie Neale

Neale was drafted ahead of the 2012 season at pick 58 and quickly became a mainstay in the Fremantle midfield. He was named the sub in Fremantle's 2013 Grand final side and later went on to be a 2x Doig medalist and a 3x Ross Glendinning medalist before taking his talents to Brisbane.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 12: Lachie Neale of the Dockers looks to handball during the round 21 AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Carlton Blues at Optus Stadium on August 12, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Ryan Crowley

One of the best taggers the game has seen, Crowley was influential during Fremantle's strongest period between 2012-2015. Often getting the better of the games great midfielders, Crowley was able to match it aerobically with anyone.

Known for his never-ending chatter, his niggle and being just plain annoying, the Freo fans loved him while the rest of us loathed him. Accolades include a Doig medal in 2012 and a feature in the side's 25 since '95 team.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Ryan Crowley of the Dockers gestures to the scoreboard in reaction to a Magpies fan during the round one AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Fremantle Dockers at Etihad Stadium on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Hayden Ballantyne

Another of the games most annoying players, 'Ballas' epitomised the tip-rat trope that comes with being a small forward.

The Herald Sun dubbed him the AFL's 'Chief Pest' with his antics often getting strong retaliations from opponents, including Matthew Scarlett who copped a three-week suspension for clocking him across the jaw.

171 games, 254 goals, a leading goalkicker and All-Australian in 2014, Ballantyne was a major factor for Fremantle during the decade.

PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA - MAY 12: Hayden Ballantyne of the Dockers celebrates after scoring a goal during the round eight AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the St Kilda Saints at Optus Stadium on May 12, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Michael Johnson

Johnson was an athletic defender who wasn't afraid to leave his man and aid others in Freo's back 50.

A pivotal part of Fremantle's stronger years, Johnson was an underrated yet integral part of Ross Lyon's defense.

All Australian in 2013 and features in the sides 25 since '95 side. Johnson finished his career with 244 games - the fifth most in Fremantle's history.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 16: Michael Johnson of the Dockers looks to pass the ball during the round 17 AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the West Coast Eagles at Domain Stadium on July 16, 2017 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Michael Walters

'Sonny' has become one of Fremantle's premier players and a mainstay in the side since 2013.

A four-time leading goalkicker in the absence of champion Matthew Pavlich and an All-Australian in 2019. Sits second in Fremantle's all-time leading goal kickers and a member of their 25 since '95 team.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 15: Michael Walters of the Dockers celebrates after scoring a goal during the round 13 AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Port Adelaide Power at Optus Stadium on June 15, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

Matthew Pavlich

Fremantle's best-ever player, Pavlich's wonder years came in the previous decade hence his spot at number four.

That being said, 'Pav' was a Doig medalist, a Ross Glendinning medalist, became a life member in the AFL in 2013 and captained Fremantle to their first ever grand final in the span of 2010- 2016.

A man who bleeds purple, he is Fremantle's all-time leading goal kicker at 700 and record games-holder at 353.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 17: Matthew Pavlich of the Dockers celebrates a goal during the round seven AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Fremantle Dockers at Etihad Stadium on May 17, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Aaron Sandilands

'Sandi' was arguably Fremantle's most important player this decade. The 211cm giant has been the league's best ruckman this decade, being an All-Australian in 2010 and 2014.

Sandilands holds the AFL record of 8466 hitouts, and will finish his career in third spot on the Dockers’ list for most games played.

He was the Doig medalist in 2015 and a feature in the sides 25 since '95.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 08: Aaron Sandilands of the Dockers looks on during the round three AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Western Bulldogs at Domain Stadium on April 8, 2017 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

David Mundy

One of the best kicks in the game, Mundy is one of Fremantle's favourites. An elite user of the footy, Mundy caused headaches for opposition coaches due to his six-foot three-inch frame and agility.

A Doig medalist in 2010 and an All-Australian in 2015, he is one of two 300-game players at Fremantle.

A fantastic 15-year career with an average of 21 touches per game has him in Fremantle's top echelon of players this decade.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 14: David Mundy of the Dockers celebrates a goal after the siren to win the match during the 2017 AFL round 08 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Fremantle Dockers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 14, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Nathan Fyfe

The boy from Lake Grace is one of the games best. A midfielder the size of a key-position player, Fyfe's agility, athleticism and ball use make him one of the best players in the league.

Freo's first Brownlow medalist in 2015, a 2x Doig medalist, a 2x All-Australian, a 2x Leigh Matthews trophy winner and named Fremantle captain ahead of the 2017 season.

There's no doubting Fyfe as Fremantle's best player of the decade.

PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA - APRIL 07: Nat Fyfe of the Dockers celebrates after scoring a goal during the round three AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Fremantle Dockers at Optus Stadium on April 7, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Published by
Brodie Hoyne