Opinion
Summer slog: Top to-dos for Eagles and Dockers this off-season
Paddy Sweeney
Nine Sports PresenterDockers’ summer slog should be uncompromising
A month of near misses made Fremantle slip from third to 10th to end the regular season, and yet again be onlookers in September for the eighth time in the past nine years. It’s a position they shouldn’t be in.
Hayden Young, pictured here in Sunday’s game, was unearthed as a midfield star in 2024 and is one of five Dockers in line for All Australian honours.Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images
After promising so much, they ultimately have nothing to show for it.
Josh Treacy bagged 45 goals as one of the competition’s most improved players and Hayden Young was unearthed as a midfield star.
He’s one of five Dockers in line for All Australian honours.
It’s the equal most of any team, but that alone shows this side underachieved in 2024. Justin Longmuir labelled it a “missed opportunity”, adding his side failed to execute when it mattered too often.
And there were plenty of examples.
- The South Australian stint resulted in consecutive losses, first to Carlton after Jordan Clark was penalised for dissent, then the overrun by Port Adelaide. It was also a theme at the back-end of the year as Fremantle blew three-quarter time leads against the Bombers, GWS and Cats.
- While they had injuries, only Treacy’s knee setback was bad luck. Sean Darcy needs to get fit. He hasn’t given himself the best chance at reproducing his 2021 Doig Medal best. His past two years he’s missed 12 and eight games respectively. The decision to rush back Alex Pearce from a broken arm backfired, with him lasting just over a half in his return match, before re-injuring himself.
- Veterans Nat Fyfe and Michael Waters have contracts and indications are they’ll be honoured. But there should be no promises they’ll be there Round 1 or regulars in the best 23.
- Optimism presents acquiring talent via the trade period and draft. With three first-round picks they can get the best of both. Two should be used on either Shai Bolton or Chad Warner, the other in the draft to continue their build.
The summer slog should be uncompromising.
The off-season must also be used to discover a way to deal with expectation and start delivering in the big moments.
Eagles’ long to-do list
Caretaker coach Jarrad Schofield, pictured here during halftime on Saturday, wants the role, but his horror past fortnight will most likely be too hard to ignore. Finding a coach sits atop a long list of things to do. MoreCredit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
West Coast’s woes were again laid bare in 2024.
They sacked Adam Simpson, were largely uncompetitive on the road, suffered too many heavy defeats and won just five games, taking their return from the past three seasons to 10 victories and 68 losses.
Adding to this, the list of candidates pulling out of the race to be coach is growing.
Former Eagles Dean Cox, Ash Hansen and Jaymie Graham declined as did Nathan Buckley, Leon Cameron, Daniel Ginasiracusa and Josh Carr.
Caretaker coach Jarrad Schofield wants the role, but his horror past fortnight will most likely be too hard to ignore.
- Finding a coach sits atop a long list of things to do. More than just providing a new voice and ideas, it will provide clarity for potential trade targets like Liam Baker.
- They must nail this year’s draft. With multiple picks set to come back as part of Tom Barrass’ exit, the Eagles require elite talent.
- An emphasis on development coaches to support, challenge and guide this talent, along with the likes of Harley Reid, Reuben Ginbey, Elijah Hewett, Brady Hough and Noah Long, is a must.
- Returning to ruthless standards which are upheld is another non-negotiable, so too integrity at the selection table.
- They must shine the light on themselves, reviewing all senior football department positions, ensuring they have the right people in the right roles.
Next year can’t be more of the same. Progress needs to be seen internally and externally.