FREMANTLE midfielder Michael Barlow admits he felt "empty and hollow" after a disappointing 2015 finals series from both himself and the team.

The Dockers failed to make the Grand Final despite finishing on top of the ladder and hosting both a qualifying and a preliminary final at Domain Stadium.

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Barlow, who averaged 25 disposals in his previous seven finals for the Dockers, collected just 18 and 17 disposals respectively in those games. He kicked a goal in both, but the Dockers kicked just 10 majors in each final.

Barlow admitted his performances were not up to standard. 

"My finals series wasn't great," he said. 

"I was really empty and hollow on a personal note, as well as a collective.

"The team obviously comes first and we didn't get to the Grand Final and give ourselves a chance of winning that elusive premiership.

"You walk off and feel really empty that you haven't contributed to your full potential.

"I knew I had more to offer and in the finals I like to pride myself on playing well in big games and probably failed to deliver.

"But I can't change that. All I can do is give myself the best opportunity to come out and contribute for a long season ahead."

Barlow has returned to pre-season in outstanding condition. He finished third in the Dockers' 3km time trial behind Tendai Mzungu and Matt de Boer.

The veteran said the presence of new recruit Harley Bennell and the likely improvement of young midfielders Connor Blakely, Lachie Weller and Ed Langdon wouldn't change his role at all.

"I see myself as that high half-forward/midfielder," Barlow said. 

"(Last season) I probably played a little bit more as the high half-forward. I always do the line training with the mids with a bit of forward stuff thrown in there.

"Again, I just want to give myself the best chance, stay fit, stay healthy and continue to train well and continue to put my hand up."