The 2025 style changes which have Fremantle well placed to make a strong run to September

Four of the last six AFL premierships have ranked first in this crucial statistic — and now the Dockers are following suit. Eliza Reilly looks at why Flagmantle might just be back in business.

Justin Longmuir has released the handbrake at Fremantle.

And Flagmantle might just be back on the menu if the Dockers can maintain their newfound scoring patterns.

An analysis of Fremantle’s evolution in 2025 has revealed that the Dockers’ much-maligned ball movement is starting to reap the rewards. After losing their first two games to Geelong and Sydney, the Dockers have won their last three by an average margin of 38.3 points.

Fremantle has already ticked over the 100-point barrier twice this season, a marker it reached just six times last year and never against a top eight side.

A statistical analysis of the 2025 Dockers has revealed that Fremantle is currently ranked first in the AFL for their half-back to score conversation rate.

The Dockers are back in business after a slow start to season 2025. Picture: Getty Images

Five games into the season, 23 per cent of Fremantle’s half-back launches are ending in scores, the best in the competition.

Significantly, four of the last six AFL premiers have ranked first in the measure.

Defender Brennan Cox said that new backline coach Jade Rawlings, previously head coach of Norwood in the SANFL and an assistant at Brisbane, Richmond, Melbourne and North Melbourne, is to thank for unlocking Fremantle’s half-backs.

“I think we’re working harder without the ball,” Cox said. “Twig our backline coach has pushed us to get in good positions and then work for the kicker and work for the ball.

“The way we set up has really helped. What he’s brought to the club has opened up new ways for us to launch attacks from half-back and deep into our 50.

“It’s a whole team thing, the way we’re working without the ball. It’s definitely lifted. We’re looking to give the kicker more options.”

Other noticeable style shifts at the Dockers include Fremantle’s willingness to go long down the line, metres gained per disposal and marking.

The Dockers ranked 8th for marks in 2024 with an average of 93.1 a game, 7.9 of those which were contested. This year, Fremantle is currently sitting 16th in marks, averaging 79.8 and 9.8 contested. It indicates a clear desire to keep the ball to keep the ball in motion and stray from the control the Dockers have desired in past seasons.

With Josh Treacy emerging as one of the best young key forwards in the AFL, the Dockers now trust their big men to force a contest in the air. It’s resulted in Fremantle going from 13th for long down the line percentage last season to 2nd this year.

Longmuir has also implored his critics to look more closely at Fremantle’s handball stats in response to his side’s perceived slow ball movement.

The Dockers were ranked second in handballs in 2024 with an average of 160.8. Fremantle’s handball-happy game style has continued this year, with Fremantle averaging 159.2 to currently rank 6th in the competition.

But the Dockers have marginally improved their effectiveness, going from 8th last year to 5th for handball metres gained. Fremantle has also improved from 16th to 5th for metres gained per disposal.

Around the ball, the Dockers’ hunt has noticeably improved, rising from 14th in 2024 to 5th for post-clearance groundball differential.