FORWARD firepower remains Fremantle's most pressing issue this season, Dockers fans say.
Cam McCarthy topped Freo's goalkicking with 25 goals last season, with Shane Kersten contributing 24 as the Dockers averaged 73 points per game, ahead of only Carlton.
That meagre return has many fans urging club hierarchy to land a proven key forward in this year's exchange period. Top of the list are prospective Gold Coast free agent Tom Lynch, or Melbourne's WA native Jesse Hogan.
Giving their take on their side's 2018 prospects in AFL.com.au's pre-season fan survey, Fremantle fans predicted improvement on last year's 14th-placed finish.
Most fans expect the Dockers to rise to 10th this season, while a healthy 23 per cent tip a surprise return to the finals.
Here are the pre-season survey results, plus a selection of Fremantle fans' responses.
What's the Dockers' weakest spot on the park?
Still the forward line. With the lack of a proven key target, let alone a secondary target, they are heavily reliant on small forwards winning the crumbs.
- Aaren Kanther, Karrinyup WA
The forward line. The forward line. The forward line.
- John Oakley, Mount Hawthorn WA
- A true key position forward to take the pressure off Kersten and McCarthy.
Jeremy Choy, Perth WA
It'll be a great year if ...
... one of our forwards is able to establish themselves as a must-have player by kicking over 40 goals. Also if Harley Bennell can keep fit, stay out of trouble and get his career back on track to repay the club for its faith and forgiveness.
- Daniel Rooney Secret Harbour, WA
... we blood the youngsters, get 18-plus games into the new draftees and get some chemistry happening to push for finals next year. A ladder position of 10-12 would represent a good year for such a young team.
- Jesse Maslin, Pinjarra WA
What's your dream headline in 2018?
'Hogan wants to come home to the Dockers'
- Mark Bilton, Mildura Vic
'Tom Lynch buys house in Fremantle'
- Stephen Jacobs, Officer Vic
'King Fyfe reclaims Brownlow throne'
- Vanessa Di Cicco, Perth WA
'Bennell proves doubters wrong in derby victory'
- Harry Playford, Perth WA
What's the headline you secretly dread?
'Fremantle plummet to 18th: We're just not strong enough for the competition, says Lyon'
- Georgia Grubelich, North Coogee WA
'Bennell sacked after another off-field indiscretion'
- Gareth Stafford, Subiaco WA
'Freo re-build only a house of cards'
- Andy Fraser, Perth WA
Read more fans' season previews
• Adelaide: Bryce is nice, but backline the worry
• Brisbane: 50 goals for Eric and no spoon, please
• Collingwood: From 13th to a premiership?
• Essendon: Are the bolstered Bombers the complete Package?
