Fremantle’s Predicted Round 1 line-up: Fyfe forward, is there room for Johnson or Wagner?

Fremantle’s rising up the ladder in 2022 coincided with the emergence of a few popular Fantasy and SuperCoach picks, namely Andy Brayshaw and Hayden Young.

There’s a few looming changes for 2023 too, with Luke Jackson and Jaeger O’Meara brought in from rival clubs, replacing Rory Lobb and David Mundy respectively, while Blake Acres, Darcy Tucker, Griffin Logue and Lloyd Meek have also left.

Two-time Brownlow medal winner Nathan Fyfe also seems set to switch forward, creating some uncertainty about roles in 2023.

Honeyball founder and WA-based afl.com.au journalist Ben Somerford takes a look at the probable Dockers’ Round 1 line-up.

Defence

Fremantle had a fairly settled backline in 2022 and it’s hard to see that changing much, with Jordan Clark and James Aish moving in and out of the bench and wing. Logue’s departure means the next key defender in – in case of injury – is a bit of an unknown, with Joel Hamling’s career at the crossroads.

Barring injury, it’s hard to see a Round 1 spot for mature-age recruit Corey Wagner who plays a rebounding style similar to Young or Clark. Brandon Walker seems the weak link but typically locks down a dangerous small forward, so he’s important to their set-up.

Midfield

The exit of Acres opens up a wing spot, but Nathan O’Driscoll has the inside running there, having been outstanding last year. Second-year rookies Matthew Johnson and Neil Erasmus will be considered too, with former top 10 Draft pick Liam Henry seemingly down the hierarchy. O’Meara appears to have been brought in as a replacement for the retired Mundy, as a big-bodied bull in the midfield.

Forward

Fyfe is fit in pre-season but all indications from within the Freo camp are that he’ll spend most of his time forward this year, given that’s been a problem area for them. Jackson comes in for Lobb, but will play plenty of ruck alternating with Sean Darcy, who is better suited deep when he goes forward. Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss are in the mix too.

Bench

Will Brodie and Clark are locks in Freo’s best side but the other spots are up for grabs. Michael Frederick’s pace is a big spark up forward, so he’s likely there.

Amiss offered a bit in his few opportunities last season, so he’s in contention but will face competition from new recruit Josh Corbett. Also given Fyfe’s switch forward, the Dockers they may want some flexibility off the bench with another runner like Johnson or Erasmus.

Banfield seemed to get the sub role every week last year, which he performed admirably. He’s next in line as a small forward ahead of Travis Colyer, or even Sam Sturt who needs a big year.