Why Dockers can truly live up to the “Flagmantle” nickname in 2025

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 06: Caleb Serong (left) and Andrew Brayshaw of the Dockers celebrate during the 2022 AFL Round 21 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Fremantle Dockers at Marvel Stadium on August 6, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The media rarely discusses the Fremantle team, especially on Australia’s east coast. Given that the Dockers have been working towards a roster that is worthy of continuing into September, perhaps this needs to change as the 2025 season approaches.

With Shai Bolton leaving Tigerland for two first-round picks, Fremantle was able to bolster its prospect pool during the off-season. Fremantle selected Murphy Reid, a ball-hungry midfielder who can deliver goals when needed, with its lone remaining first-round pick.Brayshaw (2022), Serong (2023), Ryan (2023), and Bolton (2022 for Richmond) have all worn All Australian jackets in the past, so talent is not a problem for Fremantle. Fremantle has played 68 games over their career and is 24.4 years old on average. According to these figures, the moment to take action is drawing near.After missing the final three games of the 2024 season due to left knee problems, Fremantle’s ruckman Sean Darcy has been flown to Qatar for recuperation and preventative measures so he can resume his position as the league’s top big man. His ruck partner and the league’s envy is Luke Jackson. Ruckmen are difficult to find, and the Dockers’ ability to rotate in the centre is one of their main advantages.

Jackson’s goal-scoring ability has increased since moving west, but if Darcy is to remain the team’s main focus as a ruckman, the Dockers supporters will want to see him maybe score 30 goals this season. According to rumours, Jackson’s former Melbourne teammate Kysaiah Pickett would move west in 2025 as well, bolstering the club’s already strong small forward stock.

Even if both Nat Fyfe and Michael Walters are having trouble being ready for the season due to knee issues, Fremantle has the balance of these veterans as an off-field leader. However, with players like Young, Brayshaw, and Serong still in their prime, Fremantle should anticipate contending for a spot in the top four. No more fade-outs.

2024 might have been that breakthrough year, but a dismal finish to the season swiftly put a stop to their ambitions and silenced the cries of “Flagmantle” for another season. They lost their final four games to fall out of a tight race for the top eight.