Ins: Josh Corbett (Trade, Gold Coast), Hugh Davies (NAB Draft, Pick 33), Josh Draper (Category B Rookie), Tom Emmett (NAB Draft, Pick 41), Luke Jackson (Trade, Melbourne), Max Knobel (NAB Draft, Pick 42), Jaeger O’Meara (Trade, Hawthorn), Liam Reidy (Rookie Draft), Corey Wagner (NAB Draft, Pick 57), Conrad Williams (Category B Rookie)
Outs: Blake Acres (Trade, Carlton), Connor Blakely (Delisted), Mitch Crowden (Delisted), Rory Lobb (Trade, Western Bulldogs), Griffin Logue (Trade, North Melbourne), Lloyd Meek (Trade, Hawthorn), David Mundy (Retired), Darcy Tucker (Trade, North Melbourne), Joel Western (Delisted)
Draw: Based on the new weighted draw brought in for the 2023 season, Fremantle statistically have the 5th hardest draw. The Dockers will face Brisbane, Geelong, Hawthorn, Sydney, West Coast and the Western Bulldogs twice throughout the season.
Forwards: Jye Amiss, Bailey Banfield*, Travis Colyer, Josh Corbett, Josh Draper*, Tom Emmett, Michael Frederick, Nathan Fyfe, Sebit Kuek, Lachlan Schultz, Sam Sturt, Sam Switkowski, Matt Taberner, Josh Treacy*, Michael Walters
Midfielders: James Aish, Andrew Brayshaw, Will Brodie, Neil Erasmus, Liam Henry, Matt Johnson, Nathan O’Driscoll, Jaeger O’Meara, Caleb Serong, Conrad Williams*
Rucks: Eric Bening, Sean Darcy, Luke Jackson, Max Knobel, Liam Reidy*
Defenders: Heath Chapman, Jordan Clark, Brennan Cox, Hugh Davies, Joel Hamling, Ethan Hughes, Alex Pearce, Luke Ryan, Corey Wagner, Brandon Walker, Nathan Wilson, Karl Worner*, Hayden Young
* Indicates rookie/long term injury listed player
Ones to watch: Jye Amiss repaid the faith shown in him by coach Justin Longmuir with good performances in both of Fremantle’s finals last year. Expect him to grow with more games and an extra pre-season under his belt. By all reports, Jaeger O’Meara is training the house down and providing invaluable leadership to the young Fremantle side. Expect him to slot directly into the vacant spot left by David Mundy’s retirement. Wouldn’t be a pre-season without the Nat Fyfe injury watch. Fyfe looks to be in great condition, focussing solely as a forward for 2023.
Strengths: The Dockers have many strengths in their side. Their midfield has two of the best young talents in the AFL in Andy Brayshaw and Caleb Serong, along with contested bulls Jaeger O’Meara and Will Brodie. The Dockers defence is what drove them to their success in 2022. They gave the 2nd least number of points during the regular season last year. This is due to the team defence aspect of the side and also the one on one skills of defenders such as Brennan Cox, Alex Pearce and Hayden Young.
Weaknesses: Ever since Matthew Pavlich retired, the Dockers have struggled to kick a winning score consistently. Although they finished in 5th place overall last year, they were 12th in total points for. Their small forwards are more than capable, but their tall forwards such as Matt Taberner have struggled in both form and injuries for several years. With the inclusion of Luke Jackson and the returning Nat Fyfe, the Dockers will be hoping that their luck turns around and are able to start getting more goals on the board.
General thoughts: The Dockers made it known last year they wanted Luke Jackson desperately and eventually got him to the club. His role will be interesting as he has the ability to play all over the ground. Nat Fyfe is working extremely hard on his forward craft this pre-season and if he can get over his goal kicking issues, and they can start scoring at a higher rate the sky is the limit for the Dockers this year. Their depth will be tested with the losses of Logue, Tucker and Lobb but with ins of O’Meara and Jackson, the Dockers have no excuses to finish lower than their position last year (5th).
Coach Pressure Gauge: 4/10 – Similar to Collingwood, the Dockers young list succeeded all expectations in 2022. Justin Longmuir had them playing great rebound football with their defence impenetrable at times. Pressure will now be on Longmuir and the Dockers as they expect to be in the top 6 come seasons end.
Breakout year: Neil Erasmus, Jye Amiss
B&F Winner: Caleb Serong
Fantasy relevant:
Andrew Brayshaw – $995,000
Caleb Serong $777,000
Hayden Young $776,000
Matthew Johnson – $200,000
Finishing spot prediction: 5th
