Fremantle's second season under coach Ross Lyon delivered strong improvement and the club's first Grand Final appearance, but the players fell at the last hurdle. Defeat aside, the Dockers are now seen in a different light. They won 12 of 13 games at home, building the League's most imposing home ground advantage, and they had the resilience to overcome injuries and win regardless of personnel. Fremantle's senior players still drove the club in 2013, but there were emerging youngsters on every line who gained valuable finals experience. A Grand Final loss could prove the most valuable experience to come out of the season.
What worked
After years of promise, young ruckman Zac Clarke elevated himself and carried the ruck when Aaron Sandilands (10 games) and Jon Griffin (seven) were sidelined because of injury. The 23-year-old played his first game in round eight and only missed a game when he was rested against St Kilda in round 23. When Sandilands returned, Clarke was an ideal second ruckman, spending time forward and drawing a key defender. He will only take on more responsibility and needs to add goalkicking to his game.
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What failed
While the Dockers ranked No.1 for points against, their forward structure lacked consistency. Injuries did the match committee no favours, with tall forward Kepler Bradley sidelined along with ruckmen Griffin and Sandilands. The loss of captain Matthew Pavlich was covered well between rounds four and 14 and again between rounds 17 and 19. However, the club's lack of a second tall forward was felt keenly in the Grand Final. Small and medium forwards Chris Mayne, Hayden Ballantyne and Michael Walters had strong seasons, but they would have benefited from an extra tall to feed off.
Surprise packet
Mature-age rookie recruit Lee Spurr isn't the big name in Fremantle's watertight back six, but he is as crucial a cog as any. The 26-year-old, who was elevated to the senior list at the end of 2012, missed just two games in his second season and regularly shut down the opposition's most dangerous small forward. A dual premiership player with SANFL club Central District, he thought his AFL dream was over before Fremantle gave him a chance. He doesn't let a game go by without trying to repay them, coming off most weeks because of the blood rule.
Disappointment
Midfielder Anthony Morabito hasn't played an AFL game since the club's 2010 semi-final loss to Geelong, suffering three ACL injuries since. His left knee collapsed again in January and the 21-year-old opted for a hybrid version of the LARS procedure. Fremantle supporters haven't forgotten the wingman's running goals and powerful bursts through the midfield in his debut season of 2010. It is hoped they see them again, but unfortunately there are now no guarantees.
MVP: Ryan Crowley
What failed
While the Dockers ranked No.1 for points against, their forward structure lacked consistency. Injuries did the match committee no favours, with tall forward Kepler Bradley sidelined along with ruckmen Griffin and Sandilands. The loss of captain Matthew Pavlich was covered well between rounds four and 14 and again between rounds 17 and 19. However, the club's lack of a second tall forward was felt keenly in the Grand Final. Small and medium forwards Chris Mayne, Hayden Ballantyne and Michael Walters had strong seasons, but they would have benefited from an extra tall to feed off.
Surprise packet
Mature-age rookie recruit Lee Spurr isn't the big name in Fremantle's watertight back six, but he is as crucial a cog as any. The 26-year-old, who was elevated to the senior list at the end of 2012, missed just two games in his second season and regularly shut down the opposition's most dangerous small forward. A dual premiership player with SANFL club Central District, he thought his AFL dream was over before Fremantle gave him a chance. He doesn't let a game go by without trying to repay them, coming off most weeks because of the blood rule.
Disappointment
Midfielder Anthony Morabito hasn't played an AFL game since the club's 2010 semi-final loss to Geelong, suffering three ACL injuries since. His left knee collapsed again in January and the 21-year-old opted for a hybrid version of the LARS procedure. Fremantle supporters haven't forgotten the wingman's running goals and powerful bursts through the midfield in his debut season of 2010. It is hoped they see them again, but unfortunately there are now no guarantees.
MVP: Ryan Crowley
Best rookie/first-year player: Danyle Pearce
Best win: V Geelong, second qualifying final
Low point
The pain of defeat was etched on the faces of Fremantle players and coaches in the days following the Grand Final. A great season was recognised, but there was no escaping the hollow feeling following a match they were right in.
Below: Michael Walters, Stephen Hill and Chris Mayne feel the pain on Grand Final day. Picture: AFL Media
What needs to improve
Fremantle kicked 8.14 in the Grand Final, including 1.6 in the first half. Against the Sydney Swans in the second preliminary final, the Dockers kicked 2.9 in the first quarter. Accuracy didn't attract attention as an issue until late in the season, but it was crucial in the decider. As it was for Hawthorn in 2013, set shot accuracy should be front of mind for the Dockers next season.
Who's done: Peter Faulks, Jesse Crichton, Alex Forster, and rookies Haiden Schloithe and Alex Howson.
What they need
Another tall forward to support Matthew Pavlich. Chris Mayne is a valuable asset, but he doesn't draw a key defender or offer the same 'get-out' option a second key forward would. Essendon forward Scott Gumbleton shapes as a likely target and a ready-made option. Geelong's Shane Kersten isn't as mature, but he has talent and would be pushing for a senior spot soon enough.
