There has been one major shift in Fremantle's game that has turned them into genuine premiership contenders: the midfield.
The Dockers have been lauded for their savvy draft selection and subsequent retention of Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw and Hayden Young, while the additions of local talent Shai Bolton and Luke Jackson has added to their stardom.
The first eight weeks has shown how coach Justin Longmuir has realised how damaging that quintet can be, with assistance from Matthew Johnson, Mason Cox, Neil Erasmus and Sean Darcy at different stages.
Longmuir has unearthed a lethal combination, resulting in a near flawless start. The only blemish occurring in Round 1 against Geelong, despite being in a very winnable position.
So what's it look like?
For starters, the selflessness and team-first attitude by Serong and Brayshaw, who have centre ball-up returns in 2026 lower than their career averages, is a testament to the mindset of the club, and its leaders.
Serong has attended 74 percent of centre-square stoppages this year, which is his lowest return since 2022; Brayshaw is currently going at a rate of 73 percent.
It has allowed the likes of Bolton and Young to earn more prominent midfield minutes, allowing the star duo to get to work in the island that is the centre square, when the opposition are at their most vulnerable, especially given the 6-6-6 formation.
The former Tiger is producing career-best stats, and his 58 percent of centre ball-up time - which is a career high - is the cause. Bolton is averaging 24.8 disposals, 5.9 inside 50s, 4.5 clearances and 7.9 score involvements.
As for Young, he spends more than half of his time as a genuine midfielder, with those numbers expected to increase as he continues to work his way back from injury, albeit dominating at the current time.
But the Dockers bat even deeper, with Murphy Reid (21.5 percent) and Johnson (23.3 percent) adding different strings.
Reid is creative, and is the perfect link in the chain, using his speed and composure to put teammates in better positions, while Johnson's aggression and defensive nous is seen favourably among Fremantle fans.
Longmuir has also handed over the keys to Jackson, playing as the primary ruck, admittedly in the absence of the ever-injured Darcy. The former Demon lends two-thirds of his time to the midfield, switching between the ruck, and on occasion, as an on-baller.
On an individual level, all have improved year-on-year. But what about the team?
Fremantle rank as the second-best clearance differential team in the competition, registering a positive 6.4. They are only behind Brisbane (9.9). Last year, they recorded +1.4.
The Dockers are clear first-possession specialists and they rate fourth in scores from stoppage differential (9.3 points), narrowly pipped by the Lions, Sydney and St Kilda. In 2025, they held a +0.9.
The improvement is stark.
Everyone knows how hard it is to win premierships, and none more than the flagless Dockers.
Their newfound selflessness has been a defining strength, and that elusive premiership now looks firmly within reach in 2026.
