Will Freo finally lift the cup in 2025? WA experts weigh in ahead of AFL season opener
Talk of premiership success out of Fremantle has never created more headlines than in this off season, and 2025 shapes as being the Dockers’ best chance yet to lift the elusive premiership cup.
The addition of dual-premiership player Shai Bolton from Richmond is massive.
He’s a match-winner, adding versatility, firepower in attack, and speed and skill during midfield bursts.
Fremantle already has one of the best backlines in the league, and the emergence of forward duo Jye Amiss and Josh Treacy will go a long way to dictating the Dockers’ fate.
They’ve enjoyed a sublime summer, hardly missing a session over the pre-season.
Time spent together should only enhance their connection and hopefully push their 81 goal output from 2024 close to three figures.
Improvement must also come from the next wave headlined by Matthew Johnson, Neil Erasmus, Brandon Walker, Nathan O’Driscoll, Jeremy Sharp, Sam Sturt.
Ruckman Sean Darcy is key to so much of what the Dockers do and want to achieve.
It’s imperative when the 26-year-old returns he plays out the season, he’s too valuable to be sidelined again through injury.
A huge plus is an extra home game courtesy of North Melbourne’s WA deal, which is part of a much greater fixture advantage in the middle of the year.
From round 11 to round 16 inclusive, the Dockers travel just once, leaving the comfort of their homes for the Gold Coast in round 12.
With an even run of injuries, Fremantle should be absolutely setting their eyes on a top-four spot, giving themselves a serious chance of going deep into September.
‘Mini’ McQualter has a major job ahead of him at West Coast
Andrew McQualter has arguably football’s toughest task.
The Eagles have forever been regarded as a proud and powerful club, but in recent years this has not been the case.
The man known as “mini” has the major job of rebuilding the club and putting them on the path to their next premiership.
It’s been no secret McQualter will bring a faster-paced game plan, recruiting old acquaintances from his days as an assistant at Richmond to help implement his style and fast-track the rebuild.
Hard-nosed premiership Tigers Liam Baker and Jack Graham will not only become immediate leaders on field, but provide an insight into what’s required individually and at a team level to achieve the ultimate.
They will be crucial in helping the youth believe in the direction of the club, but themselves and their belonging within the team.
Development of younger players must be a priority.
It’s paramount to getting the very best out of Harley Reid as he enters his second season, ideally resulting in him signing on long-term.
Time and education is still required for Reuben Ginbey, Elijah Hewett, Noah Long, Brady Hough, Harry Edwards, Ryan Maric and Jack Williams.
First-round draft pick Bo Allan will get early season exposure, while Tyrell Dewar is tracking nicely.
Eagles fans won’t be getting excited about the win-loss tally, but they have reason to be optimistic around a new direction and chapter at Lathlain.