2011 at a glance:
2011 was a very disappointing year for the Fremantle Football Club given the form and success of their 2010 season. The Dockers lacked consistency and depth, which resulted in a mediocre year. Much of this can be attributed to injured key position players, which may have been caused by a fitness issue within the team.
Injury losses forced captain Matthew Pavlich into playing a midfield role, which in turn upset the forward line structure of the Dockers. Chris Mayne and Kepler Bradley, the key forwards, only contributed 15 goals apiece in 2011. There was a heavy reliance on youngsters such as Nathan Fyfe and Hayden Ballantyne to produce the goods, all this combined led to Fremantle losing the last seven games of the season.
The return of Michael Barlow who suffered a sickening leg injury was a positive for Fremantle. As to, were the improvements made by up and coming ruckman Zac Clarke. Fyfe was impressive around the ground. He was a week in, week out contributor. His great display of speed and skill pay tribute to him winning the Fremantle handball and disposal counts.
In 2011 the senior coach of the St. Kilda Football club, Ross Lyon jumped ship, in what was arguably the biggest coup in Fremantle’s history. The value of Lyon for Fremantle cannot be overstated. Bringing Lyon to the club, a coach that has previously led a team to three Grand Finals over the course of five years was the right thing to do. Albeit a sneaky move by the board. Fremantle supporters will witness the rise of the Dockers in 2012. Put it down to the strategy and the hardnosed approach of Ross Lyon.
Key Players:
When Sandilands returns in full flight, he will be one of the most damaging players in the AFL. At 211cm, he is the tallest athlete in the league and can therefore give first use of the ball to the Dockers midfielders. Sandilands is the spine of the Fremantle Dockers and even though his versatility allows him to be a tall forward option, he is more valuable to the team as a marking target around the ground and dropping back to support defenders. The three time All-Australian dominates the competition. He also provide great assistance to the young crop of Dockers coming through.
Matthew Pavlich
Pavlich won his sixth best and fairest last year for the Dockers. Pavlich’s presence around the ground is uplifting. The skipper can play both in the midfield and forward line equally well, his understanding of the game also comes second to none. Pavlich is a consistent competitor with natural flair and outstanding leadership skills, he will play a big part in Fremantle’s campaign.
Round 1 vs Geelong Cats at Patersons Stadium
Fremantle will face its greatest test against last year’s premiers on their own turf with fresh legs and a new game plan. Lyon will have to try to prevent the natural free flow of Geelong’s game plan. If Sandilands can outplay young ruckman Trent West, Fremantle will have first use of the ball and may be able to get on top of the Cats. Although the task looms large, Fremantle were able to upset the Cats in round two of last year. The game is pivotal for the Dockers to see where they stand in the competition.
Round 4 vs St. Kilda at Etihad Stadium
Expect fireworks at this game. Ross Lyon will go into battle against players he took into three grand finals. A lot will be on the line for Nick Riewoldt and his troops. Lyon understands the St. Kilda players more than anyone however spite and hunger will push the Saints. This will go down to the wire and a lucky break for either team could be the deciding factor.
Round 19 vs West Coast at Patersons Stadium
The western derby is one of the most anticipated games throughout the AFL season. Given the thrilling finish last year, this 2012 game has a lot to live up to. The clash has been consistently sold-out and for good reason, the atmosphere is electric, the display of talent by both teams should be fantastic and both teams are desperate. Fremantle will be hoping to crack last year’s top four Eagles for bragging rights and good form heading into the finals.
What to expect in 2012:
With a preseason under Lyon, expect to see a well-drilled defensive game from the Dockers. Lyon will hope to have his side back to a full bill of health relatively soon and when that happens, Fremantle will have the capacity to win against top-eight teams.
Massive defensive improvements must be made. Lyon has taken former St. Kilda defender Zac Dawson over to the west in the hopes of quelling opposition key forwards.
Lyon should place dynamic duo Pavlich and Bradley up forward. Their forward line has the potential to be very dangerous. Talented midfielders like Mundy and de Boer will be able to give great service into the forward fifty.
Overall, the Dockers look great. Lyon will be able to structure his team and lift them up a notch in intensity and pressure. If Fremantle travel well, they could cement a top-four position. The keys to Fremantle rising are an uninterrupted season and consistency.
Ladder prediction: 5th– 8th
Clare Cosgrave is in her third year of a Bachelor of Journalism at La Trobe University. You can follow her on Twitter: @ClareCosy.
