In a nutshell
Ross Lyon has described 2016 as the Dockers' annus horribilis, the year of disaster. That is exactly what it has been. Serious injuries to star players, an inability to improve the ball movement and rumours of trades, free agency moves and rifts have all contributed to a staggering fall from grace.
What we said in the pre-season
We predicted a top-four finish if all went to plan and finals at a minimum even if things went slightly awry. No one predicted a 16th-place finish. No Nat Fyfe, Aaron Sandilands, Michael Johnson, Harley Bennell and Alex Pearce for the majority of the year made things difficult, but their form was poor when the majority of those players were available early on.
What worked
Some of the kids have shown they can play. Lachie Weller and Connor Blakely both won NAB AFL Rising Star nominations. Shane Yarran and Sam Collins have been great mature-age pick-ups and Michael Apeness has shown some talent when fit.
What failed
The 12-month quest to improve skills and ball movement has been an utter failure. The Dockers worked extensively on their ball movement over the summer, attempting to bridge the gap to the masterful Hawks. But the Dockers have not even come close to replicating the Hawks and have given up a staggering amount of goals from turnovers in the second half of the year.
Overall rating
F. Minor premiers and preliminary finalists can fall off the perch but history suggests they should never fall this far.
The coach
Lyon's future was assured before the year began after he signed a contract extension to stay at Fremantle until the end of 2020. Not much has changed in his public persona. But he has not been able to get the players to heed to changes he sought to implement. His greatest challenge is how he reinvigorates this group next year.
The leaders
David Mundy's appointment as captain after Matthew Pavlich stood down surprised some externally, but he was an obvious choice for the playing group given the respect he has. It's been as difficult a year as possible given fellow leaders Fyfe, Sandilands and Johnson have been unavailable. New leaders need to emerge.
MVP
Lachie Neale has been outstanding. He has gathered more disposals and more contested possessions than any other player in the AFL. He is in line for his first All Australian award.
Surprise packet
Shane Yarran was a speculative pick at No.61 in last year's NAB AFL Draft. The 27-year-old spent time in prison in his youth. He had played well at WAFL level in the last two seasons but had some knee issues. But the gamble has paid off. He's kicked nine goals in five games and will only improve next year.
Get excited
Michael Apeness has had a cruel run with injury since he was drafted in 2013. But at full fitness he looks an exciting key forward/ruck prospect given his contested marking ability. If he gets a full pre-season in he could become anything.
Disappointment
Harley Bennell was the cream on the cake when he was picked up on a three-year deal in last year's trade period. To not play a single game in his first season due to a calf injury was a major disappointment.
The Dockers have missed their high-profile recruit Harley Bennell. Picture: AFL Photos
Best win
Round 13: Fremantle 12.14 (86) def Port Adelaide 9.15 (69) at Domain Stadium. It was slim pickings given the Dockers only won three games, but this was the best of them. It was an arm-wrestle all day but the Dockers won the contest, led by Michael Barlow's career-best 43 touches and they pulled away in the last quarter.
Low point
The loss to Carlton in round five sent the season into free fall. Fyfe broke his leg, Johnson suffered season-ending knee and hamstring injuries and the Dockers never recovered. Things got worse later in the year with reports of player and coaches rifts and trade requests.
The big questions
Can the Dockers rebuild their list to be competitive next season and beyond?
Will Harley Bennell be fit to play 20-plus games in 2017?
Can the Dockers find an answer to their ball movement issues over the summer?
Season in a song
Free Fallin' – Tom Petty
Who's done?
Retirements: Matthew Pavlich
Delistings: TBA
Unsigned free agents: Zac Clarke, Chris Mayne, Matt de Boer, Clancee Pearce
How should they approach trade and draft period?
With a long-term view. The Dockers do need to turn the list over and they will be prominent players in the trade period, but they must be smart in getting the various deals right as each decision will have a long-term impact.
Early call for 2017
The Dockers are capable of a winning season in 2017 and could play finals if they remain healthy and get everything right. But it is about progression rather than a premiership in 2017.
