Fremantle’s 2024 season started with promising hearth, securing an exhilarating victory over the Lions and demonstrating early dominance by profitable the primary three video games.
The optimism amongst supporters was palpable, with many envisioning “Flagmantle” tattoos in celebration.
Nonetheless, the season shortly turned tumultuous.
A controversial late name within the Carlton recreation, the place a purpose was deemed touched and a free kick wrongly awarded to Carlton, appeared to sign the start of a tough patch.
This was adopted by a loss to Port and a heavy defeat to the Eagles, resulting in widespread frustration amongst followers.
Regardless of these setbacks, Fremantle rallied, incomes two spectacular wins and seeing rising stars like Josh Treacy make a mark.
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The crew was buoyed by standout performances from Andrew Bradshaw, Caleb Serong, and Hayden Younger, who turned one of many league’s high midfielders.
A dramatic draw towards Collingwood and a 100-point thrashing of the Demons showcased Fremantle’s resilience.
But, the post-bye interval noticed blended outcomes, together with a heavy loss to the Bulldogs however a subsequent win over the Suns.
The Dockers then delivered a serious assertion by defeating Sydney, bolstering their standing with a 9-1-4 report.
Sadly, Fremantle’s season took a pointy downturn.
A stunning loss to the Bombers after holding a 25-point lead, adopted by shut defeats to the Cats and Giants, left the Dockers in jeopardy of lacking the finals.
Nat Fyfe wrestles with Jack Williams. (Picture by Daniel Carson/AFL Pictures through Getty Photos)
The ultimate rounds had been a take a look at of endurance, counting on exterior outcomes and a win over Port to safe a finals berth.
Regardless of the Saints’ victory over Carlton, Fremantle fell brief, dropping to Port within the essential last recreation.
The tip-of-season collapse was marked by questions on teaching choices, notably Justin Longmuir’s technique and flexibility.
The absence of key gamers like Treacy, Sean Darcy, and Alex Pearce compounded the difficulties.
Waiting for 2025, Fremantle faces vital challenges.
The membership should handle whether or not additions like Shai Bolton, Liam Baker, and Jack Martin might be ample to show the tide.
There may be additionally rising concern about the way forward for veteran gamers Nat Fyfe and Michael Walters, and whether or not Longmuir’s method will want reassessment.
The Dockers’ season finale leaves a lot to ponder because the membership appears to be like to navigate the offseason and put together for a pivotal 2025 marketing campaign.
