By Stuart Stirling
The Fremantle Dockers have once again inspired optimism in Western Australian football fans, winning seven games in 12 matches so far in 2024. But it hasn't been without long term pain and suffering, as the Dockers have managed just the one finals win since falling short of a premiership in 2015.
Things look different this year though. Justin Longmuir brings a calming presence, backed up for his emphasis on collective buy in and consistently applied method, whilst leaders around the club seem excited about the opportunity they have to deliver Fremantle fans their first flag. It's an interesting time to be a Dockers fan - the best 22 is more or less set, there is a clear style of play, and everyone looks happy to wear purple.
But how was the new wave constructed?
3. Caleb Serong - Pick 8 in the 2019 National Draft
Fremantle moved heaven and earth to move up two spots in this draft, trading pick 10 and other assets to Melbourne for pick 8 in order to get in front of an inevitable Liam Henry bid.
4. Sean Darcy - Pick 38 in the 2016 National Draft
The 2016 draft was huge for Fremantle, taking Griffin Logue, Sean Darcy, Brennan Cox and Luke Ryan, setting the club up with building blocks for the next decade.
6. Jordan Clark - Traded for Pick 22 in the 2021 National Draft (Toby Conway)
Geelong were very keen to hold on to Jordan Clark, with this deal being hotly debated by both clubs, social media and mainstream media throughout the trade period. Eventually the Cats caved on accepting pick 22 and a pick swap in the following year.
8. Andrew Brayshaw - Pick 2 in the 2017 National Draft
Drafted alongside childhood friend Adam Cerra after Freo dealt Lachie Weller to Gold Coast for pick 2, Brayshaw was taken a year after the disastrous 4 win side of 2016, where the Dockers prioritised building a new midfield. 7 years on from being drafted, Brayshaw is next in line to be club captain, is an AFLPA MVP and a pivotal cog in the Freo midfield.
9. Luke Jackson - Traded for Pick 15 in the 2022 National Draft (Matthew Jefferson), Pick 7 in the 2023 National Draft (Caleb Windsor) and Pick 34 in the 2023 National Draft (Billy Wilson)
Luke Jackson has become the Docker's X-factor. Playing as a ruckman in the first half of 2024, the 'Unicorn' was recruited as a key forward to be the foil to a developing Jye Amiss, however with Sean Darcy's body struggling to hold together for the length of an AFL season, Jackson has had to play roles that weren't initially on his job description.
13. Luke Ryan - Pick 66 in the 2016 National Draft
The hidden gem of Fremantle's list, Luke Ryan was taken as a mature aged recruit. Since then, he has formed an unbreakable bond with fellow defender Brennan Cox that symbolises the strength and connectivity of Fremantle's defensive structure in recent years.
14. Jeremy Sharp - 2023 SSP
The ex-Sun has become a mainstay for the Dockers on a wing in 2024. Initially the Dockers tried to trade for him in the 2022 trade period, but the Gold Coast Suns refused to let Sharp go home. He went on to play outstanding VFL football in 2023 without getting an opportunity at AFL level. His contract then expired and he walked to Fremantle for nothing. Poor list management from the Gold Coast Suns once again gifts the Dockers a star.
24. Jye Amiss - Pick 8 in the 2021 National Draft
The first Western Australian taken in the 2021 draft, Amiss was tipped to fill the Matthew Pavlich sized hole that had been impossible to fill since Pav's retirement in 2016. Having kicked 63 goals in just his first 36 games, Amiss looks like the future for the Dockers.
26. Hayden Young - Pick 7 in the 2019 National Draft
Originally a half back flanker, Young has transformed himself into one of the most intriguing midfield prospects in the AFL. Taken a pick above Caleb Serong in the 2019 draft, Young has developed into a leader around the club, being promoted to the leadership group in 2024.
How the Fremantle list was constructed:
First round selections (ND) | Non-first round selections (ND) | Rookie draft selections | Free agency or trade | Mid season draft | Alternativepathways |
8 | 17 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 4 |
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