Fremantle Dockers CEO Simon Garlick relishes draw which has team playing Geelong and Sydney in first two games

Fremantle Dockers CEO Simon Garlick Relishes Draw Which Has Team Playing Geelong and Sydney in First Two Games

Fremantle Dockers CEO Simon Garlick couldn’t help but smile when he saw the fixture for the upcoming AFL season. The draw had given the Dockers an early challenge, pitting them against two of the most formidable teams in the competition: Geelong and Sydney. But rather than being daunted by the tough start, Garlick was enthusiastic, embracing the opportunity with a sense of optimism and anticipation.

As he sat in his office at Fremantle’s headquarters, Garlick reflected on what this new season could bring. He knew the Dockers were capable of greatness, and facing two heavyweights in the opening rounds would only help sharpen their resolve and set the tone for the year ahead.

“We’ve got a big test straight out of the gates,” Garlick said, his voice calm but brimming with excitement. “Geelong and Sydney are two top-tier teams, but that’s exactly the kind of challenge we need. It will test us, no doubt, but I believe in this group of players. We’ve made some excellent additions to the squad, and the growth of our young talent over the past few seasons has been exciting to watch. It’s the perfect way to kick off the season.”

The first game against Geelong would be an early litmus test. The Cats, with their wealth of experience and consistency, were a team that demanded respect. Fremantle, on the other hand, had shown flashes of brilliance in the previous season, but this match would prove whether they had the mental toughness to compete with the best.

And then came Sydney. The Swans were known for their intensity and their ability to bounce back from adversity. The Dockers’ second game would be no less challenging, and Garlick knew that playing both teams back-to-back was an opportunity to make a statement.

“I’ve always believed that facing the best teams early in the season is a blessing in disguise,” Garlick continued. “If we can rise to the occasion, we’ll gain confidence that can carry us through the rest of the year. But more importantly, it’s a chance for our young players to see what it takes to win at the highest level.”

Behind the scenes, Garlick was already coordinating with the coaching staff and ensuring the club’s facilities were ready for the season ahead. He had witnessed firsthand how much the players had evolved during the offseason, and he was eager to see that development take shape on the field.

“We have a fantastic group of leaders within the club, and I know that everyone is ready to embrace the challenge,” he said. “It’s not about just winning the first two games—it’s about building momentum, establishing a competitive mindset, and showing that Fremantle is a force to be reckoned with.”

The excitement around the club was palpable. Fans had been eagerly waiting for a fresh start, and with the high-profile opening matchups, the Dockers were sure to attract plenty of attention. Tickets were already selling fast, and Garlick was confident that Fremantle’s passionate supporter base would come out in droves to cheer the team on.

“This is the time for the Dockers to make their mark,” Garlick said, as the office buzzed with energy. “We’re not just going to sit back and let the season unfold. We’re going to play with purpose, with passion, and with the belief that we belong among the top teams.”

As the first game drew nearer, the mood at Fremantle was one of excitement and determination. The players were ready to face the challenge head-on, and Garlick, as always, stood firmly behind them.

No matter the result of the first two games, Garlick knew that these matchups against Geelong and Sydney would be defining moments in the season. For him, they weren’t just about wins or losses; they were about setting the tone for the year, pushing boundaries, and showing that Fremantle was ready to take on the best the AFL had to offer.