Fremantle faces an uncertain off-season, with key players on and off the field on the move

THERE are some serious issues at the Dockers, with one of the club’s biggest stars potentially leaving and a number of changes set for off-field. It begs the question, where is the Dockers’ rebuild at?

What is Lachie Neale’s future at Fremantle? Picture: Getty Images

FREMANTLE’S issues go well beyond on-field matters and it is the off-field that will be the first priority.

There are unhappy players at every club, but if Lachie Neale — at 25 a key pillar in the planned rebuild — requests a trade this off-season it will be damning.

A widespread review is expected to result in key changes, however Ross Lyon has received strong backing to remain as coach to this point and is contracted for two more years.

STAT LEADERS: WHO IS A LEADER AT YOUR CLUB?

LIST CHANGES: WHO HAS BEEN CUT AT YOUR CLUB?

FINALS TIPS: WHO WILL WIN BIG WEEK ONE GAMES?

On the field, the forward line is the major issue with recruits Cam McCarthy, Shane Kersten and Brandon Matera all busts so far. Replacing list manager Brad Lloyd and football operations manager Chris Bond is also a priority.

TRADE TABLE

The upcoming trade period looks to be more about trying to hang on to players. If Neale wants out, then Fremantle should ask for the world from Brisbane and be prepared to hold him to his contract for 2019. The Dockers would love to bring in a quality tall forward and they will likely again ask the question of Melbourne’s Jesse Hogan.

What is Lachie Neale’s future at Fremantle? Picture: Getty Images

DRAFT STRATEGY

Fremantle has already traded away its second, third and fourth-round picks in the national draft. The Dockers are likely to again dip into next year’s picks to boost their hand, however if they lose a star like Neale that will strengthen their draft hand. Having gone with two mids at pick 2 and 5 last year, Fremantle may well opt for a tall with their first pick this year.

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

1. It was another year of pain, but at least the Dockers got some games into their kids. They unveiled eight debutants, the equal most with West Coast, and Fremantle’s debutants played more games than anybody’s. Top-five picks Andrew Brayshaw and Cerra look like safe bets. Defender Alex Pearce made a successful return from two broken legs.

2. Fremantle was terrible on the road but they were generally competitive at their new home ground, Optus Stadium. The Dockers played 13 games at home, thanks to a deal with Gold Coast, and finished with a 7-6 record, 7-4 not including the western derbies. They couldn’t beat a finalist but Adelaide and Port Adelaide were decent scalps.

3. The belting of Carlton in Round 13 at Etihad Stadium was the Dockers’ only road win of the season. They did it in style, kicking 12.5 to 0.7 in a devastating first half before easing home 57-point winners.

WHO WINS B&F

Lachie Neale

ROBBO SAYS

Won eight games and were belted in too many defeats. It leaves you wondering if they are coming, going or staying. Beat Adelaide, Port Adelaide and Essendon and pushed Collingwood which gets a tick, but gee there was some God-awful efforts in between. A few jumping ship and the CEO acting as the list manager suggests it’s a bit of mess right now.

NEXT YEAR’S GOAL

Having finished 16th, 14th, and 14th over the past three seasons, the Dockers want to push back towards the top eight next season. Narrowing the gap between their best and worst and eliminating the floggings is also on the agenda.

Adam Cerra was a standout for the Dockers in his first year. Picture: Getty Images

WHAT YEAR SHOULD YOU BOOK YOUR GRAND FINAL TICKETS?

It’s hard to see a grand final appearance any time soon for the Dockers, however players like Nat Fyfe, 27 this month, don’t come around often and they would hope to get another crack at the big prize while he is still around.

WHO FROM CURRENT TEAM MAKES FREO’S FIRST PREMIERSHIP TEAM?

B: ?? Joel Hamling ??

HB: Luke Ryan Alex Pearce ??

MIDS: Ed Langdon Connor Blakely Bradley Hill

HF: ?? Nat Fyfe ??

F: ?? Hugh Dixon ??

Folls: Sean Darcy Andrew Brayshaw ??

Inter: Griffin Logue ?? ?? ??

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Originally published as Fremantle faces an uncertain off-season, with key players on and off the field on the move