Fremantle Dockers have ‘no excuses’ must play finals in 2025, according to AFL great Matthew Richardson

Fremantle Dockers Have ‘No Excuses’ Must Play Finals in 2025, According to AFL Great Matthew Richardson

As the 2025 AFL season approached, the Fremantle Dockers were under the microscope. The team had shown flashes of brilliance over the past few years, but inconsistency and unfulfilled potential had often been their undoing. Fans were growing restless, and the pressure was mounting for the team to make a serious charge toward the finals. No one, however, felt the heat more than the players themselves.

Matthew Richardson, the AFL legend known for his powerful presence on the field and his sharp football mind off it, had just made a bold statement that sent shockwaves through the football community. “No excuses,” he said. “This is the year the Fremantle Dockers have to make finals. They’ve been building for long enough now, it’s time to deliver.”

For Fremantle, this year was critical. They had made significant investments in their list, with young players like Jai Clark and Caleb Serong stepping into leadership roles, and senior players like Nat Fyfe remaining hungry despite age creeping up on them. The Dockers’ defense, led by Alex Pearce, had become one of the league’s most formidable, while their midfield was brimming with talent capable of breaking open games. But there had always been something missing — that final edge that separated the contenders from the pretenders.

The team had shown promise in the previous season, but injuries and inconsistent form had seen them fall short of the top eight. The Dockers’ management was aware of this, and the front office had been vocal about their expectations for 2025. However, hearing a revered AFL great like Richardson issue such a statement resonated with everyone — from the players in the locker room to the fans packing Optus Stadium. There were no more excuses.

“We know what we’re capable of,” said Fremantle’s captain, Nat Fyfe, in response to Richardson’s comments. “We’ve got the talent, the systems, and the support. It’s about going out there and executing when it matters most. Matthew’s right. It’s time.”

Fyfe’s words were backed by the team’s resolve. In the offseason, the Dockers took a hard look at themselves. There were no more distractions, no more “next year” excuses. They were focused, locked in, and determined to not let this opportunity slip by. Fremantle had a roster capable of competing with the best of them, but it had to be put to the test.

The season began, and the Dockers came out swinging. Their opening match was a statement win — a dominant performance that showed they were ready for the challenge. By round four, Fremantle was sitting comfortably in the top eight, with new players finding their stride, and the older ones leading with intensity.

But the road to the finals wasn’t easy. The AFL is a tough competition, and week after week, Fremantle had to prove that they belonged. Every team knew that 2025 would be the year to watch them, and the Dockers thrived under the weight of that expectation. Richardson’s challenge had fueled their fire.

As the season progressed, Fremantle’s younger players began to shine, with Caleb Serong emerging as one of the league’s elite midfielders. He’d turned heads with his gut-running, his ability to win the hard ball, and his vision. He was a star on the rise, and together with the ever-reliable Fyfe and the high-flying Michael Walters, the Dockers looked more dangerous than ever.

The final rounds were a test of nerves. Fremantle had to face the league’s best, and every match felt like a must-win. The Dockers held their ground, winning crucial games that kept them in the hunt. With just one round left, they were on the brink — a win would secure their spot in the finals for the first time in years.

The final siren of round 23 echoed around Optus Stadium, and Fremantle had done it. They had secured a place in the 2025 finals, defying the doubts and proving the AFL greats right. It was a moment of triumph, but one that felt only like the beginning. The Dockers had finally made the leap into the upper echelon of AFL teams, and now, the real test began — could they go all the way?

As the team celebrated their hard-earned success, Matthew Richardson, ever the sage, had the last word: “It’s only the start. Now, it’s time to go and make a mark on September.”

Fremantle had no excuses left. They had arrived.