Season Preview: Fremantle

2020 Recap The Dockers looked doomed for a dark year after round four, they were winless and were just beaten by the Gold Coast Suns. But Justin Longmuir got his side back on track and the Dockers showed great signs of improvement. As the year rolled on they continuously got better and they managed to put together some strong wins and developed a very strong and attractive game style. They were one of the games boom teams with the Dockers shocking many with how quick they seem to be developing, especially in their midfield with Andy Brayshaw and Adam Cerra taking big steps forward. [caption id="attachment_22788" align="alignnone" width="1024"] PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA - MARCH 11: Andrew Brayshaw of the Dockers handballs during the JLT Community Series AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the West Coast Eagles at HBF Arena on March 11, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Off-season Ins: Heath Chapman (Draft), Nathan O'Driscoll (Draft), Brandon Walker (Draft), Joel Western (Draft), Josh Treacy (Pre-season draft). Outs: Isiah Butters (Delisted), Jason Carter (Delisted), Hugh Dixon (Delisted), Jesse Hogan (GWS), Brandon Matera (Delisted), Cam McCarthy (Delisted), Tom North (Delisted), Dillon O’Reilly (Delisted), Jarvis Pina (Delisted). [caption id="attachment_31111" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 22: Jesse Hogan of the Dockers warms up during the round 14 AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Fremantle Dockers at Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 22, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)[/caption] Off-season Grade: C Not much to report for the Dockers in the player movement areas, they didn't bring any ready-made players through the doors. They again focused on the draft and topped up with kids, looking to the future. The cleared out some dead-wood and look like they'll be better off for letting Jesse Hogan walk out the door. Defining Period Rounds 1-3 are crucial for the Dockers should they wish to play finals footy, they are gifted an excellent chance to make a statement against those competing for a top 8 spot. Fremantle open their season against Melbourne at the MCG before they host the Giants in what may shape a do or die game. The round 3 clash against Carlton looms as a possible season decider, should they lose all three of those games it'll be very hard for them to make finals. A win or two or even three and their season is on the right track. [caption id="attachment_59974" align="alignnone" width="1024"] PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 02: Caleb Serong of the Dockers handpasses the ball during the round nine AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Collingwood Magpies at Optus Stadium on August 02, 2020 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)[/caption] Best 22 B: Reece Conca, Joel Hamling, Griffin Logue HB: Luke Ryan, Alex Pearce, Nathan Wilson C: Blake Acres, Caleb Serong, Adam Cerra HF: Liam Henry, Matt Taberner, Michael Walters F: Sam Sturt, Rory Lobb, Lachie Schultz FOLL: Sean Darcy, Andrew Brayshaw, Nat Fyfe I/C: David Mundy, Darcy Tucker, James Aish, Brennan Cox [caption id="attachment_23496" align="alignnone" width="1024"] PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA - APRIL 21: Adam Cerra of the Dockers celebrates after scoring a goal during the round five AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium on April 21, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Strengths and Weaknesses The Dockers' strength is their ability to play fast-flowing football and an attractive game style, they are able to do so because their midfield has a great ability to win the ball and spread immediately. Fyfe is now being supported by Cerra and Brayshaw which makes the Dockers a much more viable threat. Their defence is very strong in the air, led by Luke Ryan, the Dockers' defence has the ability to win the ball back and launch attacks from defence. Alex Pearce returns from injury this year and will be a big inclusion into an already very strong defence. Their weakness comes in the way of scoring, their forward line is on the improve and Matt Taberner became a genuine force last year. If he can get some more support and find another level himself the Dockers forward line suddenly looks a lot more potent. [caption id="attachment_33592" align="alignnone" width="1024"] PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 12: Alex Pearce of the Dockers breaks the banner during the 2019 AFL round 08 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Richmond Tigers at Optus Stadium on May 12, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos)[/caption] Prediction: 12th The Dockers are going to improve again. Their list is in a great spot and with 11 games at home they're bound to pick up some wins. Finals is a bridge too far this year but there is no doubt they are a team on the rise and are doing so rapidly. They'll miss finals but it won't be by too much. [caption id="attachment_31254" align="alignnone" width="1024"] PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 26: Michael Walters of the Dockers looks on before kicking a goal during the round 10 AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Brisbane Lions at Optus Stadium on May 26, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)[/caption]

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	ADEL	23	18	5	72	139.3
2	GEEL	23	17	6	68	141.5
3	BL	23	16	6	66	114.2
4	COLL	23	16	7	64	122.4
5	GWS	23	16	7	64	115.3
6	FRE	23	16	7	64	109
7	GC	23	15	8	60	124.9
8	HAW	23	15	8	60	120.9

Season Preview: Fremantle

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