Fremantle 2026 Season Preview: Ceiling Is There, Handbrake Still Questioned

Fremantle’s identity is clear. They defend structure better than almost anyone and suppress opposition transition effectively. 

They ranked among the best sides for restricting defensive half scores and limiting intercept opportunities.The issue is not defence. It is attacking conviction.

In 2025 the Dockers tried to add territory and risk, lifting metres gained per kick but sacrificing retention. The result was inconsistency. They ranked outside the top ten for shots per inside 50 and expected points from clearance chains despite strong midfield numbers.

This season is about balance. Controlled aggression rather than half measures.

The midfield is elite at its base. Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw win clearances consistently. Hayden Young adds speed and penetration when fit. Luke Jackson, spending more time around the ball, remains the most dynamic variable on the list.

The forward structure has diversity. Josh Treacy, Jye Amiss and Pat Voss offer different aerial profiles. Shai Bolton, Michael Frederick and Sam Switkowski provide ground level pressure and movement.

Defensively, Alex Pearce, Brennan Cox and Luke Ryan anchor a reliable system. Jordan Clark supplies rebound and McVee adds flexibility against smaller forward lines.

The spine is strong across all lines.

Fremantle still struggle to translate clearance dominance into scoreboard damage. They ranked 14th for expected scores from stoppage chains in 2025. That inefficiency cannot continue if they want top four status.

Ball movement can become predictable. Slow build up allows defences to reset. When tempo drops, advantage disappears.

There is also the tactical question. Justin Longmuir’s system has a high floor but has not yet shown a consistent high ceiling in September.

Serong and Brayshaw are consistent. Young is the difference maker. His ability to break shape and kick through the corridor changes defensive structures instantly.

Jackson’s midfield minutes are equally significant. If he becomes a genuine centre bounce weapon while rotating through the ruck, Fremantle gain a matchup advantage few sides can counter.

The path to a flag runs through making stoppage wins count.

Fremantle profile as a genuine top four contender with finals upside. Their defensive floor makes them reliable across a long season. The question is whether they can score heavily enough to dominate strong opponents.

They hold more value in top four and double chance markets than outright premiership plays unless attacking output clearly improves.

Their realistic range sits between third and seventh. A top four finish should be the internal target. Falling outside the eight would represent significant regression given the talent profile.

The window is open. The next step requires more speed, more dare and better connection from clearance to score.