In a nutshell
It was a rollercoaster year. Freo started terribly, but then climbed off the canvas and peaked at fifth spot on the ladder, before hitting the wall on the run home. The Dockers doubled their 2016 win tally, blooded seven debutants and laid a platform for the rebuild, although there is plenty of hard work ahead.
Have your say: Give your season verdict on the Dockers using the form at the bottom of this article.
What we said in the pre-season
Fremantle was tipped to land somewhere in the 8-10 win range and finish 13th – and the Dockers ended up with eight victories and one spot lower on the ladder. As expected, they were more competitive with Nat Fyfe and Aaron Sandilands, before his hamstring trouble, returning from serious injury alongside four mature-age recruits.
What worked
Playing the kids. It was out with the old and in with the new after the 89-point belting from Port Adelaide in round two and Freo was reinvigorated, winning six of the next seven games. Draftees Sean Darcy, Griffin Logue, Brennan Cox and Luke Ryan showed plenty, while Harley Bennell finally played his first game in purple after repeated calf issues. Bringing in four mature recruits worked to varying degrees, with Joel Hamling and Bradley Hill the standouts.
What failed
Scoring remains an issue. Freo averaged under 68 points per game from round 10 onwards and finished with the second-fewest points scored in the AFL. The Dockers need a strong-marking target, better ball users and decision-makers.
Overall rating: B-
Youth showed plenty and senior players stood up before injuries took a toll late in the campaign.
The coach
Ross Lyon's game-plan came under scrutiny after round two but he resurrected the campaign and released the pressure valve. Despite a string of post-bye losses, everything was ticking over until consecutive 104-point beltings in rounds 21 and 22 put Lyon's future back on the agenda. Between those thumpings, he shut down claims he approached Collingwood to take over from Nathan Buckley. Lyon is contracted until 2020 and says he is fully committed to the rebuild.
Coach Ross Lyon speaks to captain Nat Fyfe. Picture: AFL Photos
The leaders
New skipper Nat Fyfe grew into the role and, despite battles with his body, his unwavering commitment to the cause was first-class. He was always quick to express gratitude to level-headed former captain David Mundy for his support. Michael Walters and Lachie Neale stepped into the leadership group with aplomb, both enjoying excellent seasons.
MVP
Michael Walters
Only played 17 games before a PCL injury ended his season and probably ruined his Doig Medal chances, but the 26-year-old was unstoppable at times shifting between the forward line and midfield.
Surprise packet
Sean Darcy
Most ruckmen take years to develop but the 201cm Geelong Falcons product stepped into the AFL like a veteran after Aaron Sandilands went down. Averaged 34 hit-outs and 12 disposals in eight games and should lead the ruck next year.
Sean Darcy impressed since debuting against Geelong. Picture: AFL Photos
Get excited
Connor Blakely
The Bunbury boy looks like becoming a star. Blakely performed some excellent shutdown roles early in the year, racked up big midfield numbers and was also terrific across half-back. Has a bright future.
Disappointment
Hayden Ballantyne
A hamstring tendon injury on the eve of the season and subsequent setback in his comeback game curtailed his influence. Didn't have a major scoreboard impact with 11 goals in 10 games but his forward pressure was valued.
Best win
Round eight: Fremantle 10.12 (72) def Richmond 10.10 (70) at the MCG
The round four victory over Melbourne was equally as thrilling but in the context of where the Tigers finished the season this gripping triumph, courtesy of David Mundy's ice-cold after-the-siren shot, looks even more impressive.
Low point
Signing off at Domain Stadium with their second 104-point thrashing in as many weeks was bitterly disappointing for the Dockers, especially after they led at quarter-time against Richmond.
The big questions
Is the rebuild on track?
Overall, the feeling is that Freo is heading in the right direction, although three 100-point losses took some gloss off the season. The Dockers need to wipe out those heavy defeats next year and stay competitive for longer.
Who can fill the Matthew Pavlich-sized hole in attack?
Cam McCarthy, Shane Kersten and Matt Taberner had their moments this season, while youngster Brennan Cox can take a mark, but the Dockers are crying out for a dominant tall forward to build around.
Will Harley Bennell make it back to his best?
Bennell showed glimpses of his talent in the final two games of the season and it would be a huge bonus if he can get through a pre-season and push into midfield in 2018.
Season in a song
I'm A Believer – Smash Mouth
Premiership window
Shut: The destination is clear, but the road ahead is full of potholes.
Who's done?
Retirements: Garrick Ibbotson
Delistings: TBC
Unsigned free agents: Hayden Ballantyne, Zac Clarke, Michael Johnson, Nick Suban
How should they approach trade and draft period?
By aggressively hunting genuine goalkickers. Mitch McGovern was a target before he re-signed with Adelaide, but Gold Coast small Brandon Matera could be a nice fit. If the Dockers can't lure a strong-marking forward from a rival club, drafting a young tall to develop, such as homegrown product Oscar Allen, should be a priority.
Early call for 2018
The Dockers could push for finals if their list stays healthy, but limiting the blowout losses, continuing to develop the kids and winning between 8-12 games should be the aim.
Dockers fans: what's your season verdict?
Share your views via the form below and we'll publish the best responses on Saturday, September 9.
Having trouble on the app? Click here to open the form in a web view
Read more
• The Wash-Up: more season reviews
