Summer expectation
Another year of rebuilding loomed for the Dockers who, despite winning six of seven games between round three and nine last year ended the year with just eight wins, and copped some frightful hidings for their troubles, with consecutive triple-figure losses in round 21 and 22. They had again invested heavily in the draft, managing to procure a pair of top five picks, but the list still looked unbalanced and few had them figuring in the finals race.
Hayden Ballantyne has been in and out of the side.
Photo: AAP
The story so far
If you were a Fremantle fan who attended home games and didnt pay attention when the side was on the road, youd be forgiven for thinking they were finals-bound. The Dockers have played seven games at the new Optus Stadium and won five of them, with one of the two losses coming to local rivals West Coast. But its been a horror story for Fremantle when they travel, with the Dockers losing all five of their away games by an average of more than 55 points. Despite a suspension earlier this month which ruled him out of the Brownlow medal running, Nat Fyfe has returned to his best, dominating through the midfield and helping guide an inexperienced side. Youngsters Adam Cerra, Andrew Brayshaw and Bailey Banfield have all been regulars while luckless defender Alex Pearce has found his groove after two injury-cruelled seasons, although a broken thumb last weekend will lead to a stint on the sidelines. Veterans Hayden Ballantyne, Danyle Pearce and Michael Johnson have all been marginalised. Harley Bennell hasnt played at senior level this year, and his recruitment has been a flop.
The surprise
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After a brilliant first season at Fremantle in which he won the clubs best-and-fairest, Brad Hill has been restricted to just two games due to injury and disciplinary reasons. Cam McCarthy hasnt set the world on fire, although admittedly its been a difficult forward line to be a part of.
Whats ahead
The Dockers have a reasonably accommodating run home, with only five matches left against teams in the top eight at the end of round 12. Six of their remaining games are at Optus Stadium but an away win would boost morale. Carlton this weekend at Etihad Stadium looms as the best chance.
Fixture rating: 7
Grade: C
Daniel is an Age sports reporter.
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