The heartbreak of the 2013 Grand Final defeat turned to optimism as the pre-season began, but Fremantle's year just never quite got on track. The pre-season performances were underwhelming. A 70-point flogging of Collingwood in round one appeared to be a marker but four losses in six weeks, including a shock defeat to North Melbourne at home in round six, made things difficult. The Dockers won eight in a row mid-year but a loss to St Kilda showed cracks in the armour that were exposed again in September. They had their chances in both finals but inaccurate kicking and injuries to key players saw them bounced in straight sets.
The coach
Ross Lyon appeared a little less calm and self-assured at times this year compared to last season when he led his team to a Grand Final. He proclaimed the Dockers were looking for two more goals per game this year and they only found it in patches. He was frustrated with his side's preparation in the pre-season. Injuries and suspensions to key players were constant distractions that rocked his focus. But he impressed Fremantle fans with his last post-match press conference of the season, saying the Dockers will rise again in 2015.
What worked
The resurgence of Aaron Sandilands: The Dockers rediscovered centre square dominance on the back of Sandilands' superb form all season. He was No.1 in the competition for total hit-outs and hit-outs to advantage. His combination with Nat Fyfe was dazzling at times. Although the centre bounce clearances were a failure in both finals.
The big bodies in the middle: Fremantle continues to be a force in contested football. The Dockers finished third in the AFL for contested football this season. The big bodies of Nat Fyfe, Michael Barlow and David Mundy set the tone for others to follow. It is a non-negotiable for Lyon's side and his players rarely let him down.
Fremantle's ability to defend: Even when its best defenders are missing, Fremantle can still excel. Luke McPharlin played just 13 matches, Michael Johnson missed the finals, Garrick Ibbotson missed large chunks of football and Alex Silvagni was injured at crucial times, yet the Dockers were still the second best defensive team in the AFL.
What failed
The Dockers' scoring numbers: Lyon stated at the Dockers' pre-season launch that his side would score more this season through better ball movement and more variety in attack. But they averaged the same number of points per game as last year. This is not an abject failure but it is a failure to achieve a desired outcome.
Recruiting from other clubs: The Dockers did some recruiting in the off-season acquiring free agent Colin Sylvia and former Bomber Scott Gumbleton to complement the squad and add depth to the midfield and forward line. Sylvia played just six games while Gumbleton retired from football without playing a single game for the year following an eighth injury-plagued season in the AFL.
Suspensions and injuries: Constant suspensions and injuries meant the Dockers really struggled to get a consistent 22 on the park each week. Injuries cannot be helped but suspensions can. Nat Fyfe missed four weeks due to suspension but it was the two weeks Hayden Ballantyne missed that hurt the most. He missed losses to North Melbourne and St Kilda for needless acts.
MVP: Nat Fyfe
Surprise packet: Lachie Neale
Best rookie/first-year player: Matt Taberner
Last year's best and fairest took another step forward this year to become one of the elite players in the AFL. He was named the AFL Players' Association MVP and he would have won the Coaches Association player of the year if he did not get suspended. He averaged nearly 27 disposals and kicked 24 goals. Fyfe also took four marks a game, showing an aerial ability that is unrivalled among midfielders in the competition.
Nathan Fyfe went from strength to strength in 2014, and was a standout for Fremantle. Picture: AFL Media
The 21-year-old was the sub in last year's Grand Final and played just 23 matches in his first two seasons. This year he was among the Dockers' most consistent players. He averaged 23 disposals but had 30-plus on five occasions, including both finals. He also won the Ross Glendinning Medal as best afield in the round seven Western Derby.
Best rookie/first-year player: Matt Taberner
It was the young key forward's second year on the list after playing just four games in his first year. He only played four matches up until round 21 but had a breakout game against Hawthorn and then backed that up with an outstanding performance against the Brisbane Lions that earned him a Rising Star nomination. He kicked two goals in round 23 against Port Adelaide before a very quiet finals series. He should have the confidence to take another step forward next year.
Disappointment: Colin Sylvia
When the Dockers recruited the 157-game veteran as a free agent they expected a ready-made player to fit straight into the team and add immediate value. Sylvia struggled through the pre-season with fitness and did not play a game until round 13. He languished in the WAFL, even getting suspended for an ugly off-the-ball incident. When he played he managed just six games and failed to really have an impact. He was dropped after round 18 before a hamstring/calf injury ended his year.
Following two losses in three matches, the Dockers were in danger of missing the top four when they hosted the reigning premiers in round 21. The Hawks had been their nemesis in recent seasons but the Dockers blitzed them in an unexpected shoot-out that saw 20 goals kicked before half-time. The Dockers kicked clear in the third term and were never headed to put their title hopes back on track and show the football world they were still a legitimate contender.
Low point
There is a case to be made for the 58-point loss to cellar dweller St Kilda in round 18. But in reality the semi-final loss is the lowest point of the year. The Dockers led by 31 points in the second term. They had 11 inside 50 entries to two at one stage and eight scores to one for the quarter at another stage but managed just 3.5 and left the door ajar for Port Adelaide. The Power kicked six goals to two in the third term to reclaim the lead. The Dockers led by 10 points at the start of the last quarter but let it slip again. That loss will haunt them for a long time.
What needs to improve?
The Dockers' composure in big games and big moments is the key area of improvement required. Ross Lyon said people can search for magic bullets and intricate theories but missed targets, poor decisions, dropped marks, missed tackles and poor kicking for goal cost them a preliminary final berth, and it also cost them a premiership in 2013. Lyon flagged that the Dockers would need to train smarter next season. The midfield also failed to capitalise on Aaron Sandilands' dominance at key moments during the year.
Who's done?
What they need
Another key defender and another key forward would see the Dockers perfectly placed in 2015 provided their incumbents remain fit and healthy. They really need their fringe players to step up to provide depth and cover as the Dockers have been exposed when losing two or more key players, be it midfielders, defenders or forwards.
Retirements: Kepler Bradley, Scott Gumbleton, Luke McPharlin (possible).
The bodies of Kepler Bradley and Scott Gumbleton failed them and neither could face another season of injury and soreness. Luke McPharlin has yet to commit to 2015 and most think the 2012 All Australian will pull the pin given he managed just 13 games this season and did not play after round 20 due to a calf injury.
Delistings: Josh Simpson (possible), Sam Menegola (possible)
It is hard to see how Josh Simpson could be contracted again following his dramas this season. He failed to fly to Sydney in round five after he was selected as the travelling emergency and following that he was granted leave from the club to deal with personal issues and failed to return. Menegola has a number of seasons on the Dockers' rookie list but despite some injury issues and his running capacity he would be a long shot to stay.
Trades/free agents: Matt de Boer (trade possibility)
Lyon flagged the Dockers could be active in the trade and free agency period just as they have been in the past two years. It is highly unlikely Matt de Boer will be up for trade as he is a very popular member of the Dockers’ leadership group. However, he fell out of favour with selectors late in the season and is still yet to sign a new contract. James Frawley is on the Dockers' radar and reportedly visited the club over the weekend. They will no doubt at least inquire about Patrick Ryder's situation at Essendon. Mitch Clark seems an unlikely prospect given Lyon's recent comments however you could not rule it out.
What they need
Another key defender and another key forward would see the Dockers perfectly placed in 2015 provided their incumbents remain fit and healthy. They really need their fringe players to step up to provide depth and cover as the Dockers have been exposed when losing two or more key players, be it midfielders, defenders or forwards.
