After bagging the minor premiership, Fremantle Dockers are on track to also take home the big prize- the 2015 Premiership Cup. Below is a list of reasons why the Dockers can get the job done and make club history.
1. The Ghost of the 2013 Grand Final
Fremantle Dockers are not the same team that they were in the devastating 2013 grand final loss to the Hawks. In 2013 they lacked confidence and were still fairly inexperienced in finals footy. Fast-forward 2 years and we have a team that has developed and improved in leaps and bounds and are now a force to be reckoned with.
2. Nat Fyfe
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBoxpwp0SrY]
Brownlow Medal favourite Nathan Fyfe is a huge and vital part of the Dockers line-up. He never shies away from the ball and gives 100% in every game he plays. Nat has the impressive ability to read the play and puts himself in the right place at the right time. He has been a stand out this year, not only for Fremantle but also within the whole AFL competition.
3. The Purple Army
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gloT1YsvgM]
Docker’s players, past and present, have been paying thanks to the amazing support from the Fremantle fans. The Purple Army is proud, passionate and undoubtedly the most optimistic in the land and the ongoing support has started to have a positive impact, with on field success being the reward. Domain Stadium holds a huge home ground advantage for the Dockers as it allows the players to perform in front of crowd of supporters who, no matter what, will show their unconditional love and support for the club and help the players lift. Docker supporters from all around the world have been showing their purple passion to support the boys.
4. Land of the Giants
Aaron Sandilands is the tallest man in the AFL standing at a whopping 211cm (6’11”) and he improves his game every season. He has been named in the All Australian team four times and I will be very surprised if he doesn’t make the 2015 team as well. Not only does he dominate in the ruck, he can take a strong mark and is effective in front of goal. At 32 years of age, he has showed some of his best skills around the ground recently and he will no doubt play a huge part in the finals.
5. Ross Lyon
Under Ross Lyon, the Dockers have certainly been in their best form. Since Lyon took over as head coach in 2012, Fremantle have played finals footy in every season. He has a good vision for Fremantle and what he wants out of the players, and knows how to bring out the best from the team. Lyon is an experienced finals coach, being involved in finals footy with St Kilda and Sydney Swans before heading west to the Dockers. He has definitely shaped the team into what they are today and I think the best is yet to come from him.
6. The Midfield Engine Room
Watch Out for Lachie Neale
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTNSA01QydE]
Stephen Hill will slice you
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drKab7jae0E]
David Mundy will dice you
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlAWorGg9OQ]
Fremantle’s midfield had the competition envious this season. David Mundy, Nat Fyfe, Stephen Hill and Lachie Neale were so effective through the midfield and transitioned the ball brilliantly around the ground. If they can get a run on in the finals they will be very hard to stop.
7. Defensive Pressure & Sneaky Offence
Classic Hayden Ballantyne defensive pressure
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccQxT8Vp0qY]
Michael Walters
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ap-rUyyoGd4]
No matter where the ball is during the game, Fremantle have provided amazing defensive pressure around the ground.
Forwards like Chris Mayne, Hayden Ballantyne and Michael Walters have showed incredibly hard tackles and defensive skills to keep the ball in there forward 50, and sneak home goals. While down back, the dynamic due Luke McPharlin and Michael Johnson apply the same pressure in the back line. This quality defence has helped Fremantle keep the forward line of top opposition sides at bay during the season.
8. Veterans
The Pav
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fz7tXPO-GDA]
Dockers will want to win the premiership not only for the club, but also for the veterans who have been with Fremantle through the clubs lows and the highs. Skipper Matt Pavlich was drafted to Fremantle in 1999 and has played 333 games for the Dockers, the first player from a WA-based club to reach 300 games. Luke McPharlin is one of the best and most consistent defenders in the AFL. He was also drafted in 1999 and has played 256 games for the Dockers. David Mundy was drafted to the club in 2003 and is a vital part of the Dockers midfield. He has played 231 games for the club and we hope to see many more from him. These legends bring experience to the team and motivation for the younger players.
9. Paid Their Dues
Fremantle have copped a lot of flack in the past regarding their success as a club. All their hard work is definitely paying off, winning their first minor premiership after finishing on top of the ladder this season. They have spent years doing the hard yards with little returns, and they will be hungrier than ever to get the ultimate reward- the premiership.
10. Respect
Fremantle have finally started to gain the respect and credit they deserve. This is Fremantle’s fourth straight finals campaign, which includes a grand final appearance, and I think opposition teams, coaches and the media have seen how damaging the Dockers can be. Along with this respect comes confidence for the Fremantle team and when their heads are up they can be unbeatable- as we saw at the start of this season. Fremantle have had their best ever season and a premiership would top their season off perfectly.
Video – Get Excited: Can Freo to make history in 2015?
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgoVeMbpD_k]
