2021 aflw awards
Record Breaker
After equalling Matthew Pavlich’s games record in round 22, David Mundy became the Club Record Holder after playing his 354th game in round 23, 2021.
2 >>> Docker annuAl 2021
2021
DOcker annuAl A PRODUCT OF THE FREMANTLE DOCKERS COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
EDITOR Erin Verevis WRITERS Tom Fee, Cale Provan
FREMANTLE FOOTBALL CLUB 31 Veterans Parade Cockburn Central WA 6164 PO Box 381 Fremantle WA 6959
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PHOTOGRAPHY Fremantle Dockers Football Club, AFL Media
cOnTenTS 4
From the President
28 Doig Medal
6
From the CEO
34 Tributes
8
Honour Board
36 AFL Awards
10 From the AFL Coach
38 2021 AFL Season Review
12 From the AFL Captain
52 AFL Player Profiles
14 From the AFLW Coach
70 Community Update
16 From the AFLW Captain
74 Staff List
18 2021 AFLW Season Review
75 Partners
24 AFLW Awards
Proud Major Partners
Fremantle Football Club 2021. All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright above, no part of this publication shall be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior annuAl 2021 >>> 3 permission of the Fremantle Football Club. Information correct Docker at time of production.
frOm The preSiDenT
frOm The
President DALE ALCO CK
2
021 saw our AFL Women’s team give us
For our AFL program, we will once again look
We’ve continued to see significant growth in
many moments to be proud of as they
critically at the draft, bringing in quality players
our AFLW list, but after our outstanding 2020
made their third straight finals series
of great character as we have done in recent
season, perhaps our growth in 2021 was just
- but ultimately fell short in the first
seasons.
behind the other leading teams.
week of the finals. There will be a focus this pre-season on
With this realisation, it’s hard to imagine a more
In the AFL Men’s competition, it was a year of
building a healthy list with full fitness and
motivated and committed group of football
undoubted progress and improvement, but
availability.
players to heed this call as they commence their pre-season.
without the consistency we’re striving for. Though bad luck certainly played a factor in In recent years our narrative has been around
2021, injuries continued to hurt us and we’re
As a Board of Directors, we are committed to
building and growth, and it’s a credit to our
looking to ensure that, as much as we can, we
empowering our AFL and AFLW teams to reach
coaches, staff and players that we are in the
have a list that is fit, healthy and available for
these lofty goals.
situation where it’s now time for that to shift.
season 2022.
We’ve made hard decisions, we’ve made critical
In the AFLW, we obviously all had the great
of hard work, and I’m thankful that we have
appointments, we’ve done a mountain of work
expectations of going all the way – but we
an aligned board with a broad and significant
and built a solid base, now it’s about franking
fell just short with losses by under a goal to
contribution from all directors.
those investments through an unapologetic
Melbourne and North Melbourne late in the
level of drive to commence what we hope will
season – results that, if they went the other
I’m proud to see the environment that has been
be a sustained run of success.
way, would have drastically changed our
created by the many wonderful people we have
chances in finals.
inside the Club.
These are volunteer roles that require a lot
4 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
It’s what has helped us stand up to the challenges of the past two seasons, and I want to thank everyone at the Club once again, especially the football staff and players, for their sacrifices to ensure we could continue the season with a relative sense of normalcy.
2021 bOarD memberS
In the AFLW, it’s been working through the constant uncertainty while juggling being a part-time professional footballer with their fulltime work, study and family commitments. In the AFL, our players and football staff have endured many months away from home and in quarantine. The continued effects of the pandemic have meant that they’re having to travel at very short notice while handling the pressures this puts on partners and families. Dale Alcock
Craig Carter
James Clement
Tony Grist
Andrea Hall
Colleen Hayward
Peter Mann
Sue Murphy
We also need to pay tribute to our members, supporters and stakeholders, who have continued to give unwavering support – whether it’s in the stadium or, unfortunately, if they’ve been forced to cheer us on from home. In a world that’s been turned upside down, we’ve seen everyone work with and live with the consequences of the pandemic – enabling Fremantle to continue to grow on the field and remain strong financially. There are no certainties anymore, but we can only hope that in a fully vaccinated world, we can get back to some sense of normality, and there’s no reason why we can’t be up and about for five AFLW games at Fremantle Oval and 11 AFL games at Optus Stadium – with high expectations of there being more to come in the finals series. Our aspiration in 2022 is that both our Men’s and Women’s teams play finals and we should all be excited about that prospect. We have been building and growing our talented lists, attracting and retaining the right people to develop our players and that’s the path we are on. And with that in mind I just can’t wait for 2022.
5 >>> Docker annuAl 2021
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 5
frOm The ceO
frOm The
CEO
SIMON GA RL IC K
I
n a post-season media interview, I was
We saw individual growth in both programs.
The time spent away or in quarantine together
asked to give the Club a pass or fail based
Our debutants showed that we have drafted
did however give us more time to embed
on our year.
well again, and we are thrilled not just in their
game plans, develop better habits and
abilities on the field, but in their character off it.
have conversations we might not have had otherwise.
It was a clever question from the reporter. The quality people we’ve brought into the Club We went into the season with an eye on a
from a football, medical, high performance
It has been undeniably tough on everyone, but
premiership tilt in the AFLW and a finals berth
and administrative point of view are sowing
through that adversity we consolidated, and
in the AFL. If we look at it in a binary manner,
the seeds of our future success.
we hope accelerated our progress, and I thank each and every one of our people for their
we didn’t achieve either of those goals, and if I answer in a binary manner, it provides a good
Unfortunately, the pandemic continued to
headline.
wreak havoc on every part of our business, and
dedication to that cause.
that was felt heavily in our football program.
Financially, we managed to finish the year
And while we feel disappointed and unfulfilled
Our players, coaches, staff, and their family
without needing assistance from the AFL, and
by not achieving our aims, there’s so much
members, sacrificed so much for our Club for
with cash reserves that put us in a relatively
more that goes into how we assess a season.
the second straight year.
strong position.
6 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
Considering where we thought we could be
group, we continued to produce strong
Back in April, ‘Turbo’ joined our AFL skipper
18 months ago, this is a really important and
contested ball and clearance results and we
Nathan Fyfe as the only Freo players to be
stable position to be in.
clearly progressed in terms of our connection
recognised as winners of a league Best and
into our forward half.
Fairest.
members and fans has been significant –
The final four games of the AFL season provide
Kiara is a legacy player for our football Club.
saying we’re thankful for everyone’s support is
a succinct summary of the year.
Her contribution goes beyond what she does
The assistance we have had from our
on the field and the young women that are
an understatement. The last two home games against Richmond
coming into the Fremantle Dockers system are
As a Club, we’ve been clear about our current
and West Coast are a glimpse of what is to
learning from her elite example.
position in the AFL landscape, and we’ve
come. But we can’t celebrate those wins
been clear about our ambitions to grow
without recognising the losses to Brisbane and
What Kiara does every week on the field is
through prioritising character, drive and
St Kilda as reminders of the significant work
nothing short of incredible. Her achievements,
competitiveness in everyone that comes
we have to do.
along with her passionate commitment and contribution to our Club, will have an impact
into the Club. Talent is undeniably a crucial prerequisite also but it’s not the only thing we
We are on extremely steady ground as a Club
are seeking and it doesn’t come above all else.
off the field, and while we have laid significant
for decades to come.
foundations for our on-field aspirations, we
We’re excited to unveil our five-year Strategic
Whilst it is critical that we judge ourselves
have got work to do to achieve what we, our
Plan, which is available on the Club website.
on our ultimate performance and how that
members, our loyal corporate and community
As well as being ambitious, we have drilled
measures against our expectations, 2021 can’t
partners, our entire playing, coaching and staff
into what our Purpose and Vision is. We’ve
be viewed simplistically as a pass or fail. Just
group along with our Board of Directors want
narrowed down what it means to be a part of
as important is the question – “are we in a
to achieve.
the Fremantle Dockers Football Club, what we call our Anchors, ranging from our authenticity,
stronger position at the end of the year than when we started?” The answer is yes.
And as a Club that wants to get better, and see
heart and connection with each other, to being
individual improvement year on year, we have
our best selves and putting the Club first.
a pretty good example right in front of us in David Mundy.
There’s a lot heading in the right direction, but we must challenge ourselves to be thinking
In our Women’s program, some of our first and second year players in Roxy Roux, Sarah
Out of any player on our list going into the 2021
every minute of every day about how we’re
Verrier and Mim Strom showed themselves to
season, Dave had more reasons than anyone
going to keep improving.
be in the upper echelon of AFLW youngsters
to justify a plateau in his output. The wins have us all counting the days until
while Janelle Cuthbertson had a breakout All– Australian year and ‘Turbo’ was simply ‘Turbo’
Instead, at 36, he was among our most
round one next year, but the losses burn and
confirming to the rest of the footy world what
improved players.
will be what drives the group as they hit the track this pre-season.
we already know, that she’s the best in the
In our Men’s program, our young and emerging
How valuable is that as a message to all of us in life, let alone our young, impressionable
Thank you again for all of your support,
playing group?
commitment and loyalty in 2021, we can’t wait to dive into 2022 and beyond with you and the
midfielders took a significant step forward in their performance and consistency that
Dave played all 22 games in 2021 and ranked
has them extremely well placed against their
12th in the AFL coaches votes. His Club-record
contemporaries.
354 games put him in the 99.999th percentile of players in AFL/VFL history.
We had debutants in Lloyd Meek, Heath Chapman, Josh Treacy, Brandon Walker and
Another year like that will see him rise from
Joel Western showing compelling glimpses
16th all time in the AFL to eighth – with the
of what is to come, while our second-year
likes of Paul Roos, Gary Ablett, Brad Johnson
crop showed that they are not going to wait
and Adam Goodes on notice.
any prescribed time to become serious and impactful players.
In the same vein as David Mundy, I would also like to acknowledge the incomparable Kiara
Led by Justin Longmuir and the coaching
Bowers.
entire Purple Army.
“ THERE’S A LOT HEADING
IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, BUT WE MUST CHALLENGE OURSELVES TO BE THINKING EVERY MINUTE OF EVERY DAY ABOUT HOW WE’RE GOING TO KEEP IMPROVING.
“
business.
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 7
hOnour bOarD YEAR
PRESIDENT
CEO
AFL COACH
AFL CAPTAIN
AFL LADDER
AFL 1995
Ross Kelly
David Hatt
Gerard Neesham
Ben Allan
13th
1996
Ross Kelly
David Hatt
Gerard Neesham
Ben Allan
13th 12th
1997
Ross Kelly
David Hatt
Gerard Neesham
Peter Mann
1998
Ross Kelly/Ross McLean
David Hatt
Gerard Neesham
Peter Mann
15th
1999
Ross McLean
David Hatt
Damian Drum
Chris Bond
15th
2000
Ross McLean
David Hatt
Damian Drum
Adrian Fletcher/Shaun McManus
12th
2001
Ross McLean
David Hatt/Cameron Schwab
Damian Drum/Ben Allan
Adrian Fletcher/Shaun McManus
16th
2002
Rick Hart
Cameron Schwab
Chris Connolly
Peter Bell
13th
2003
Rick Hart
Cameron Schwab
Chris Connolly
Peter Bell
5th
2004
Rick Hart
Cameron Schwab
Chris Connolly
Peter Bell
9th
2005
Rick Hart
Cameron Schwab
Chris Connolly
Peter Bell
10th
2006
Rick Hart
Cameron Schwab
Chris Connolly
Peter Bell
3rd
2007
Rick Hart
Cameron Schwab
Chris Connolly/Mark Harvey
Matthew Pavlich
11th
2008
Rick Hart
Cameron Schwab/Steve Rosich
Mark Harvey
Matthew Pavlich
14th
2009
Rick Hart
Steve Rosich
Mark Harvey
Matthew Pavlich
14th
2010
Steve Harris
Steve Rosich
Mark Harvey
Matthew Pavlich
6th
2011
Steve Harris
Steve Rosich
Mark Harvey
Matthew Pavlich
11th
2012
Steve Harris
Steve Rosich
Ross Lyon
Matthew Pavlich
7th
2013
Steve Harris
Steve Rosich
Ross Lyon
Matthew Pavlich
3rd
2014
Steve Harris
Steve Rosich
Ross Lyon
Matthew Pavlich
4th
2015
Steve Harris
Steve Rosich
Ross Lyon
Matthew Pavlich
1st
2016
Steve Harris
Steve Rosich
Ross Lyon
David Mundy
16th
2017
Dale Alcock
Steve Rosich
Ross Lyon
Nathan Fyfe
14th
2018
Dale Alcock
Steve Rosich
Ross Lyon
Nathan Fyfe
14th 13th
2019
Dale Alcock
Steve Rosich
Ross Lyon
Nathan Fyfe
2020
Dale Alcock
Simon Garlick
Justin Longmuir
Nathan Fyfe
12th
2021
Dale Alock
Simon Garlick
Justin Longmuir
Nathan Fyfe
11th
YEAR
PRESIDENT
CEO
AFLW COACH
AFLW CAPTAIN
AFLW LADDER
2017
Dale Alcock
Steve Rosich
Michelle Cowan
Kara Antonio
7th
2018
Dale Alcock
Steve Rosich
Michelle Cowan
Kara Antonio
7th 2nd (Conf. A)
AFLW
2019
Dale Alcock
Steve Rosich
Trent Cooper
Kara Antonio
2020
Dale Alcock
Simon Garlick
Trent Cooper
Kara Antonio
1st (Conf. B)
2021
Dale Alock
Simon Garlick
Trent Cooper
Kara Antonio
5th
LIFE MEMBER
POSITION/S
YEARS SERVICE
Ross Kelly
Chairman
1994 - 1998
YEAR INDUCTED 1999
ALL AUSTRALIAN AFL
Shane Parker
Player
1994 - 2007
2003
Matthew Pavlich
Shaun McManus
Player
1994 - 2008
2004
Paul Hasleby
Matthew Pavlich
Player
1999 - 2016
2006
Peter Bell
Paul Hasleby
Player
1999 - 2010
2007
Aaron Sandilands
James Walker
Player
1997 - 2007
2007
Luke McPharlin
2012
Troy Cook
Player
1999 - 2007
2007
Michael Johnson
2013
Peter Bell
Player
1994 - 1995, 2001 - 2008
2007
Hayden Ballantyne
Antoni Grover
Player
1998 - 2012
2009
Nathan Fyfe
Rick Hart
President
2002 - 2009
2009
David Mundy
2015
Luke McPharlin
Player
2001 - 2015
2010
Michael Walters
2019
Aaron Sandilands
Player
2001 - 2019
2010
Luke Ryan
2020
David Mundy
Player
2003 - present
2012
AFLW
Michael Johnson
Player
2003 - 2018
2013
Kara Antonio
2017
Ryan Crowley
Player
2002 - 2015
2013
Ebony Antonio
2018
Dr Jeffrey Boyle
Physiotherapist
1995 - 2020
2013
Dana Hooker
2018, 2019
Dr Ken Withers
Doctor
1995 - 2020
2013
Gemma Houghton
2019, 2020
Paul Duffield
Player
2003 - 2015
2014
Kiara Bowers
Ben Allan
Player, Coach & Administrator
1994 - 2015
2014
Janelle Cuthbertson
Stephen Hill
Player
2008 - 2021
2015
Garrick Ibbotson
Player
2005 - 2017
2015
Chris Mayne
Player
2007 - 2016
2015
Hayden Ballantyne
Player
2008 - 2019
2017
Nick Suban
Player
2008 - 2017
2017
Syd Corser
Administrator
1994 - 2003
2017
Nathan Fyfe
Player
2009 - present
2018
Michael Walters
Player
2008 - present
2019
Steve Harris
President
2009 - 2016
2019
Dale Kickett
Player
1995 - 2002
2020
Roger Hayden
Player & Coach
2000 - present
2020
Stephen O’Reilly
Player & Administrator
1995-1999, 2009-2019
2021
2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 2003 2003 2008, 2009, 2010, 2014
2014 2014, 2015, 2019
2019, 2020, 2021 2021
AFL AWARDS BROWNLOW MEDAL Nathan Fyfe
2015, 2019
AFLW BEST & FAIREST Kiara Bowers
2021
AFL RISING STAR Paul Hasleby
2000
Rhys Palmer
2008
Caleb Serong
2020
DOIG MEDALLIST
BEACON AWARD
BEST CLUBMAN
PLAYERS’ AWARD
LEADING GOAL KICKER
Peter Mann
Scott Chisholm
-
-
Peter Mann (33)
Stephen O’Reilly
Gavin Mitchell
-
-
Kingsley Hunter (33)
19,622
Dale Kickett
Mark Gale
-
-
Kingsley Hunter (32)
19,949
Jason Norrish
Brad Dodd
Chris Bond/Jason Norrish
-
Clive Waterhouse (30)
22,186
Adrian Fletcher
Clem Michael
Ashley Prescott
-
Tony Modra (71)
24,896
Troy Cook
Paul Hasleby
John Rankin
-
Clive Waterhouse (53)
24,925
Peter Bell
Dion Woods
Leigh Brown
-
Matthew Pavlich/Justin Longmuir (28)
23,898
Matthew Pavlich
Paul Medhurst
Shaun McManus
-
Trent Croad (42)
23,775
Peter Bell
Graham Polak
Troy Longmuir
-
Paul Medhurst (50)
25,368
Peter Bell
Andrew Browne
Matthew Carr
-
Paul Medhurst (41)
32,780
Matthew Pavlich
David Mundy
Troy Cook
-
Matthew Pavlich (61)
34,124
Matthew Pavlich
Marcus Drum
Luke Webster
-
Matthew Pavlich (71)
35,666
Matthew Pavlich
Robert Warnock
Heath Black
-
Matthew Pavlich (72)
43,343
Matthew Pavlich
Rhys Palmer
Luke Webster
-
Matthew Pavlich (67)
43,366
Aaron Sandilands
Stephen Hill
Michael Johnson
-
Matthew Pavlich (28)
39,206
David Mundy
Michael Barlow
Matthew de Boer
-
Matthew Pavlich (61)
40,069
Matthew Pavlich
Tendai Mzungu
Matthew de Boer
-
Kepler Bradley/Chris Mayne (25)
42,762
Ryan Crowley
Lee Spurr
Tendai Mzungu
Chris Mayne
Matthew Pavlich (69)
42,918
Nathan Fyfe
Cam Sutcliffe
Lee Spurr
Ryan Crowley
Michael Walters (46)
44,035
Nathan Fyfe
Matt Taberner
Alex Silvagni
Nathan Fyfe
Hayden Ballantyne (49)
48,777
Aaron Sandilands
Alex Pearce
Jonathon Griffin
Nathan Fyfe
Michael Walters (44)
51,522
Lachie Neale
Lachie Weller
Aaron Sandilands
Lachie Neale
Michael Walters (36)
51,889
Bradley Hill
Luke Ryan
Zac Dawson
Nathan Fyfe
Cam McCarthy (25)
51,254
Lachie Neale
Brennan Cox
Aaron Sandilands
Ed Langdon
Michael Walters (22)
55,639
Nathan Fyfe
Sam Switkowski
Aaron Sandilands
Nathan Fyfe
Michael Walters (40)
51,431
Luke Ryan
Caleb Serong
Alex Pearce
Ethan Hughes
Matthew Taberner (29)
51,577
Sean Darcy
Hayden Young
Caleb Serong/David Mundy
Lachlan Schultz
Matthew Taberner (37)
50,342
AFLW FAIREST & BEST
BEST FIRST YEAR PLAYER
BEST CLUBWOMAN
PLAYERS’ AWARD
LEADING GOAL KICKER
Dana Hooker
-
Amy Lavell
Kara Antonio
Kara Antonio, Ashley Sharp (4)
Ebony Antonio
-
Lisa Webb
Ebony Antonio
Amy Lavell (6)
1147
Kiara Bowers
Philipa Seth
Evie Gooch
Kiara Bowers
Gemma Houghton (9)
1105
Kiara Bowers
Mim Strom
Kara Antonio
Kiara Bowers
Sabreena Duffy (12)
Kiara Bowers
Sarah Verrier
Angelique Stannett
Kiara Bowers
Gemma Houghton (15)
AFLPA AWARDS
COACHES
AFL MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
AFL
Nathan Fyfe
2014, 2015
BEST FIRST YEAR PLAYER
MEMBERSHIP 18,456
2080
1317 1568
GAMES
WINS
LOSSES
DRAWS
Gary Antulov
2019
Gerard Neesham (1995 - 1998)
88
32
56
0
Ivo Capelinha
2019
Damian Drum (1999 - Round 9, 2001)
53
13
40
0
Keith Carmody
2019
13
2
11
0
Colin Ciantar
2019
OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD
Paul Hasleby
2000
Ben Allan (Round 10 - 22, 2001)
Rhys Palmer
2008
Chris Connolly (2002 - Round 15, 2007)
129
67
62
0
Maria Giglia
2019
Michael Barlow
2010
Mark Harvey (Round 16, 2007 - 2011)
97
39
58
0
June MacDonald
2019
Caleb Serong
2020
Ross Lyon (2012 - Round 22, 2019)
175
92
82
1
Ben Marks
2019
Justin Longmuir (2020 - present)
39
17
22
0
John Nykyforak
2019
AFL 22UNDER22 TEAM Michael Walters, Nathan Fyfe
2013
AFLW
Lachie Neale
2015
Michelle Cowan (2017 - 2018)
14
4
9
1
Trent Cooper (2019 - present)
25
19
6
0
Rod Yin
2019
Chantelle Dawkins
2020
Eugene D’Orsogna
2020
John Garland
2020
Ed Langdon
2018
Sean Darcy
2018, 2020
Andrew Brayshaw
2020, 2021
GAMES AS CAPTAIN
Diane Meakins
2020
2020, 2021
AFL
John Prior
2020
Adam Cerra
Matthew Pavlich
AFLW 22UNDER22 TEAM
189
2007 - 2015
Haylie Dowson
2021
Phil Dowson
2021
Peter Bell
107
2002 - 2006
Nathan Fyfe
85
2017 - present
Shaun McManus
44
2000 - 2001
Beryl Regan, Chris Connolly
2007
Adrian Fletcher
44
2000 - 2001
Tony Buhagiar
2009
AFLCA AWARDS
Peter Mann
40
1997 - 1998
Peter ‘Bink’ Phillips
BEST YOUNG PLAYER
Ben Allan
22
1995 - 1996
Brian O’Donnell
2017
Chris Bond
19
1999
Larry Dwyer
2018
David Mundy
18
2016
Gary Ingraham
2019
John Nykyforak
2020
Roxanne Roux Sabreena Duffy Emma O’Driscoll
Caleb Serong
2020 2020, 2021 2021
2021
AFLW Kara Antonio
37
2017 - present
CON REGAN MEMORIAL AWARD
Grant Donaldson
2014
2021
For more Club records and historical information, visit fremantlefc.com.au/our-history
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 9
frOm The afl cOach
frOm The
AFL Coach J USTIN LONGMUIR
S
ince the final siren sounded on our
The off-season and pre-season are important
We need to be able to compete against the
round 23 game against St Kilda,
times to harness the improvement we require,
best, who are comparatively older sides with
the messaging to the players has
developing personal routines that allow the
more mature and stronger bodies. What that
been the same – we need to get
players to perform at a high-level day to day
strength gives you is the resilience to be able to
and week to week.
play every week, recover better and compete
better. That is pretty generic, but I feel that we
better on the field.
have so much improvement left in us. From availability, to the behaviours we live each day,
This is where our growth will come from, with
to the way we play – there is so much growth.
more people willing to live higher standards
Our physical makeup is a big part of our
more often and the connection within the
development and the players will continue to
group to push each other to be our best selves.
push so they’re getting bigger and stronger, but
Our consistency week to week was of concern.
it’s also finding that balance as we also need
Following the bye, we had four wins but none
to be quicker and faster as well.
of them came consecutively, as we celebrated
On the field, we want to get better at the
important victories against Collingwood,
basics under pressure, improve our pressure
Hawthorn, Richmond and West Coast split by
on the opposition and enhance how we
As an aside, we also want to get back to
losses to Carlton, Geelong, Sydney, Brisbane
operate offensively.
Fremantle a bit more with the aim of training
and St Kilda.
10 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
on a regular basis at Fremantle Oval.
2021 aflw awards
It is important that we understand who we
We’ll put no limits on what they can achieve
consensus of what the playing group wants
are as a Club and who we represent. Getting
next year but they will still have to earn a
and is thinking. It’s his job, along with the
back to Freo will allow us to understand our
game.
coaches, to bring the next group of leaders along. He’s been really open to that and is
heritage and give us better clarity about who we represent when we pull on the jumper.
We talk a lot about our younger players, but
doing a great job.
we’ve got a really strong core of senior players There will also be some new faces we’re
who will, hopefully, be fit and pushing for
Once again in 2021, we’ve continued to see
excited to unveil in 2022 following the trade
selection, which will make selection really
everyone involved make sacrifices in the name
and draft periods.
difficult.
of keeping the season alive while allowing the
Jordan Clark fits our age profile of our younger
I’m really pleased to welcome Jaymie Graham
players. He gives us an option, either on the
to the Club as an assistant coach. First of all,
wing or at half back, he’s fast, is a good kick
he’s a great person, but he’s also a great coach
Since arriving ahead of the 2020 season
and makes good decisions. His most important
who really adds to our group.
I’ve found that nothing is ever too much
Club and football program to operate at the highest level possible.
for anyone, and that extends to players,
trait is he wants to improve and he’s willing to do the work to get better by enhancing all
He’s a good relationship builder who isn’t
coaches, staff, families and our members and
areas of his game.
scared to challenge the coaching staff or his
supporters.
players if he thinks it’s going to get the best out Will Brodie has great work ethic and is aware
of them. He’ll be in charge of our forward line
Everyone has ridden the ups and downs and I
of where he needs to improve and what he’s
and ball movement, which are two areas we
thank you all for that.
good at. His strengths should help him develop
need to improve - so it’s a big job! Hopefully, next year we can have our full 11
into a really good inside mid. He’s a good pressure player, a good clearance player and
In Nat Fyfe’s report on page 20, he mentions
home games in front of our full membership
he embraces the physical part of the game.
how our younger leaders are already taking on
and supporter base, as there’s nothing better
more responsibility. I agree that leadership at
than having the Purple Army there in large
Ultan Kelm was added as a Category B rookie
our football Club is about empowering others
numbers cheering us on.
from Northern Ireland, so he obviously arrives
and collaborating, and Nat’s no different. We’ll be doing everything we can over the pre-
as a raw talent who will need more time to adapt to a new game, but he already adds to
He facilitates a lot of collaboration among
season to become a better team next year and
our group with his professionalism. What’s
the playing group and that provides a clear
make you proud.
most important with Ultan is his attitude. He everything it takes to get an opportunity. With his speed and agility, he has the potential to become a smaller defensive lockdown player, which excites me because that’s a need within our team. At time of writing, we are yet to welcome our new draftees to the Club. While holding a strong draft hand is incredibly exciting to our recruiting team, where our players get drafted doesn’t mean much once they get to the
“
WE WILL DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO SUPPORT THEM AND TEACH THEM THE BEHAVIOURS THAT WILL HELP THEM BE THE BEST THEY CAN BE.
“
wants to be a professional athlete and will do
football Club. They will need to get to work straight away, and we will do everything we can to support them and teach them the behaviours that will help them be the best they can be.
11 >>> Docker annuAl 2021
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 11
frOm The afl capTAin
frOm The
AFL Captain NATH AN FYFE 12 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
W
e went into the final round
It was an important opportunity for us to fast-
On a personal note, I’ve unfortunately had
of the 2021 season with a
track Caleb and Sean’s development and for
some complications with my shoulder surgery.
chance to win our way into
the group to get behind them and Andy as the
It means it will have an impact on my pre-
finals. It was unfortunate to
next generation of Freo Dockers’ leaders. They
season preparations, but I’m focused on doing
fall short but I believe this is still a significant
both handled themselves admirably with the
everything I can to recover and regain full
step forward, considering we fielded one of
greater responsibility thrown at them.
strength so I can get back out there with the boys as quickly as possible.
the youngest sides in the competition across the year.
I thought our players fought hard through to the end of the year. Realistically, it is tough to
My number one aim is to always prepare
But 10 wins and missing out on finals doesn’t
compete against seasoned and older bodies
myself physically and mentally to play a full
win us anything and only leaves us all hungry
across the course of a full 120-minute game. At
season and finals at a really high level.
to return our Club to September action.
times we were able to compete, and at others,
From this platform I can teach and grow
our lack of depth showed.
the next generation of Fremantle players as well as ensure our environment is a place
There were some great moments and important wins along the way. Our wins
Words are easy at this point of the year, but the
where people strive to get the most out of
against Sydney, Richmond and West Coast
framework of our list is there and as we mature
themselves, players, coaches and staff.
spring to mind, as well as our victories on
under Justin’s game plan, we will deliver more
the road against Collingwood, Adelaide and
consistently.
Our round 22 clash against West Coast was important for a number of reasons. It was a
Hawthorn, where it’s notoriously hard to get It can be a dangerous position to be in. It’s
chance for David Mundy to celebrate his 350th
logical to expect improvement as we gain
and record-tying 353rd game with family and
This needs to fuel our belief going into pre-
experience, but we can’t be complacent and
friends. We also used the occasion to honour a
season, knowing that if we can tidy up a few
expect the results to come.
legend of the Club in Stephen Hill.
The message to every player at the end of
With 51,000 fans in attendance, it was an
the year was to ensure they do absolutely
opportunity for the players to step up on the
After I dislocated my shoulder in round 19
everything they can in the off-season and
big stage – and didn’t they just.
against Sydney, I spoke with David Mundy after
pre-season in preparation for season 2022.
the game about how we handle the leadership
We need to know our game plan inside out and
As important as it was to honour Dave and
gap, knowing that my season was over and
continue to build a culture of hard work and
‘Hilly’ in this way, it was also important for the
with fellow leaders Michael Walters and Reece
ongoing improvement.
group to give our members and supporters
the four points.
areas of our game and naturally mature with our young list, a 14 to 15 win season awaits.
some sweet relief after 11 painful RAC Derby
Conca also out of the side.
the team each week in Dave, Alex Pearce and Andy Brayshaw. We made the decision that we needed to anoint the next leaders then and there and give greater responsibility to two players who had demanded the group’s respect with their actions throughout the season. It should come as no surprise that the two players were Sean Darcy and Caleb Serong. They attended every leadership group meeting for the rest of the season and took up the slack that was left behind when ‘Sonny’ and I went out of the team.
“
losses in a row.
WE KNOW OUR MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS ARE ON THIS JOURNEY AS MUCH AS WE ARE AND WE’RE GRATEFUL FOR THAT. WE LOOK FORWARD TO PLAYING EXCITING FOOTY FOR YOU AND BUILDING TOWARDS SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT IN THE YEARS TO COME.
The games we’ve played at Optus Stadium with the Purple Army in full force are routinely our most enjoyable each year. We absolutely love playing in front of our home crowd and always feel the support when we we’re playing on the road. We know our members and supporters are on this journey as much as we are and we’re grateful for that. We look forward to playing exciting footy for you and building towards something significant in the years to come.
“
It meant we only had three on-field leaders in
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 13
frOm The aflW cOach
frOm The
AFLW Coach TREN T CO O PER
14 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
A
s an AFLW coach, you get a long
We do a lot of interviews as part of our due
The past two years have been challenging in
time to think about what went
diligence and we’re confident we are bringing
that regard and the work of Kara Antonio and
wrong after a season that didn’t
in good characters, plus our draftees have
her leadership team has been invaluable in
end the way you wanted it to.
exceeded expectations in how quickly they’ve
guiding the players through uncertain times
fit in and the work ethic they have all displayed.
and we can’t thank them enough for their efforts.
The coaching team has identified quite a few areas that we want to improve on and we’re
There’s also two ‘virtual’ new recruits to look
now in the middle of a big training block. We’re
out for in Aine Tighe and Ann McMahon. Both
As a group, we were a little disappointed with
working on the things we think can help us
have had a tough two years on the list without
how our season finished but that doesn’t take
start games better, while working through
playing games due to injury.
anything away from the years that Kiara and Janelle Cuthbertson had in 2021.
problems that other teams will throw at us. Ann’s fully fit and ran a personal best in the To the players’ credit, they’ve returned in really
2km time trial, which is amazing considering
Janelle was in just her second year of football
good condition and we had a lot of personal
what she’s been through and she can’t be
in 2021 and to be named an All Australian
bests in the time trial, meaning we could get
doing any more to put her hand up.
defender was a remarkable achievement. To be the league’s premier intercept defender
straight into the footy. Aine is tracking to be well and truly fit by
while battling a serious injury for half of the
We’ve changed the way training looks this
round one, we’re just excited watching her
season not only showed her ability, but her
year. There is a lot more competitive work and
move around the park. The commitment
strength and resilience and we all congratulate
constraints-based training to make things
and sacrifices that she’s had to make
her on her well-deserved honour.
difficult and uncomfortable on the track,
over two years to be in this position have
which the players have to work through and
been phenomenal and she deserves her
Not enough can be said about Kiara Bowers’
then solve problems on the run. One of our
opportunity, and hopefully that will come in
career to date, especially her 2021 season
biggest improvement areas from last season
round one.
where she tied for the AFLW Best and Fairest, was All-Australian and won her third straight
is to be able to do that in games, and to the girls’ credit, they’re really responding to those
We’ve been building on our coaching group and
Club Fairest and Best. She was the number
challenges well.
we’ve strengthened that with the additions of
one tackling player and the number one
Daniel Haines and Jay van Berlo, two names
clearance player in the competition in another
that will be familiar to long-term Freo fans.
remarkable season.
previously built into sessions and have the
It’s a bonus to bring two past AFL players back
What we’ve learnt from the past two years is
higher intensity drills at the end of training
into the Club. Daniel’s going to work in the
how much the support we receive from our
but we’ve flipped that on its head this year to
midfield and he has a wealth of experience in
members and supporters means to everyone,
make sure we’re ready to go as soon as the ball
football, is an experienced footy coach and
especially after having fans locked out of our
bounces.
has been involved in the female pathway.
final in 2020 and an RAC Derby in 2021.
There’s also the aim to be more flexible and
Jay’s shown great leadership throughout his
We’re really hopeful that next year, you can
a bit more unpredictable to the opposition.
playing career and he’s worked with our NGA
attend all our games and bring the support
We’re looking to a few different players
program as a coach. He’s already made a big
that really makes a difference to us. We can’t
who can go through the midfield at stages,
impact with the whole group, particularly the
wait to see you all back out at Fremantle Oval
including Phil Seth and Gabby O’Sullivan,
forwards he is looking after next season.
for Season Six.
We are addressing our starts by having really high intensity at the start of training. We’ve
a little bit more. Both Kiara Bowers and Hayley
After another Covid-interrupted season,
Miller could be real threats if they play in that
we hope that Season Six will be a bit more
traditional resting forward role, not that Kiara
predictable as vaccination rates increase and
rests too much wherever she goes!
borders open.
At the draft we brought in versatile key position
We know the challenges of having semi-
player Amy Franklin at no.14, midfielder
professional athletes go on the road, but we
Dana East at no.31, small forward Makaela
think we’re more prepared for that this season,
Tuhakaraina at no.38, outside midfielder Airlie
particularly with the likelihood we’ll get a bit
Runnalls at no.44, midfielder/defender Jess
more notice if that is the case.
Low at no.52 and forward/ruck Sarah Wielstra
“ WHAT WE’VE LEARNT
FROM THE PAST TWO YEARS IS HOW MUCH THE SUPPORT WE RECEIVE FROM OUR MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS MEANS TO EVERYONE.
“
while using our midfielders in the forward line
at no.57.
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 15
frOm The aflW capTAin
frOm The
AFLW Captain KA RA ANTONIO 16 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
W
e started the 2021 season full
2021 was my fifth season as captain and it’s
of confidence. We believed in
been great to see our emerging leaders coming
our list and the game plan and
through, such as Ange Stannett, Stephanie
we started the season really
Cain, Hayley Miller and Phil Seth.
well, extending our seven-game winning run from 2020 to 11 games in 2021.
I have no doubt that there will be others that pop up through the year, but it’s been
But when we lost against the eventual
incredible to see the growth in these four
premiers in Brisbane halfway through the
players in particular, and it shows how much of
season, it felt like we plateaued, and the other
an exciting time it is at Fremantle right now.
teams got better and went past us. A lot of our success in the last handful of After a fair bit of time to reflect on the season
seasons can be attributed to Trent Cooper
just gone, we’re still really confident in the list
leading the way with Kate Starre in High
that we’ve got moving forward. We’ve got a
Performance. It really is setting the foundation
young group compared to the rest of the AFLW
for the next handful of years.
Competition and there is plenty of growth that can come from this pre-season.
Reflecting on the past five AFLW seasons it feels like they’ve all combined into one!
Several players went back to the WAFLW and
We’ve come a long way with the facilities
got some extra minutes in the legs and some
we’re in now, the program we’ve built and the
more time with the footy in hand.
resources around us. We’re very lucky and fortunate to be in the positions we are.
Personally, I competed in a corporate boxing match in the off-season, which in a way was
It’s a really exciting time to be at the football
a great off-season motivator as it kept me fit
Club and to be on the list. We’ve done a lot of
and challenged me mentally while still having
hard work with plenty more needed.
a chance to refresh away from footy ahead of the season.
What makes me proudest to be a Fremantle player is the culture we’ve built. As a collective,
On night one of pre-season we all came
we demand excellence and accountability, but
together again and met the new draftees. The
we also prioritise having fun and enjoying our
energy in the room was contagious, everyone
time together.
was happy and excited to be back around the group.
We can’t wait to keep growing and improving, and make you proud in 2022.
In season, you spend so much time together really miss that camaraderie. It’s been nice to have everyone together as we really enjoy each other’s company, we’re really tight knit. The banter is high, and we like to have a bit of a laugh and have fun. Our pre-season has seen girls running PBs and lifting PBs in the gym, they’ve done the work and learnt that we have to get better as a collective.
“
ON NIGHT ONE OF PRE-SEASON... THE ENERGY IN THE ROOM WAS CONTAGIOUS, EVERYONE WAS HAPPY AND EXCITED TO BE BACK AROUND THE GROUP.
“
as a group and when the season ends, you
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 17
2021 aflw Season review
Round 1
Round 2
GWS
WeST cOaST
SUNDAY 31 JANUARY / 1.10pm / FREMANTLE OVAL
SUNDAY 7 FEBRUARY / 4.15pm / FREMANTLE OVAL
FREMANTLE 1.2 | 2.3 | 5.8 | 8.10 (58)
FREMANTLE 0.3 | 1.6 | 2.8 | 2.11 (23)
GWS 0.3 | 1.4 | 2.4 | 4.4 (28)
WEST COAST 1.1 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 2.2 (14)
KEY STATS GOALS Duffy, Houghton 3 DISPOSALS Bowers 21 MARKS Houghton 9 TACKLES Bowers 10 AFLW B&F Houghton 3, Duffy 2
KEY STATS INJURIES Nil UMPIRES Johanson, Adams, Jago OFFICIAL CROWD 3,195 DEBUT Mikayla Hyde, Sarah Verrier MILESTONE Gemma Houghton
GOALS Bowers, Houghton DISPOSALS Bowers 23 MARKS Cain 4 TACKLES Bowers 14 AFLW B&F Bowers 3, Miller 1
INJURIES Nil UMPIRES Dalgleish, Fry, Simmonds
OFFICIAL CROWD No crowd permitted
25 games
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
Fremantle’s unbeaten run in 2020 continued into the
Heavy rain and a lockdown throughout the Perth and
start of the 2021 season, with a round one win against
Peel regions put a dampener on the second ever RAC
GWS marking their eighth in a row. After a competitive
Derby in the NAB AFL Women’s competition, with
opening half, Fremantle kicked away with Gemma
Fremantle prevailing in a low-scoring affair at a locked-
Houghton providing three of Freo’s six goals. Kiara
out Fremantle Oval. With players and the surface
Bowers and Jasmin Stewart starred in the midfield while Janelle
drenched by the torrential conditions, Kiara Bowers came to the
Cuthbertson (seven marks) was elite as key back. The highlight of
fore with her determination and pressure, amassing 23 disposals (17
the game came when Mikayla Hyde kicked a goal in her first game,
contested), 14 tackles and a precious goal on the way to winning her
just two weeks after being added to Fremantle’s list. It was an
second best on ground medal in an RAC Derby. West Coast closed
emotional day at Fremantle Oval with both Clubs paying tribute
within a goal in a tense final term but Fremantle ultimately stood up
to the late Jacinda Barclay, a WA football product who played 23
in the contest, winning the clearances 26-20 and the contested ball
games over four seasons for GWS.
120-89.
18 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
Round 3
Round 4
aDelAIDe
GOlD cOaST
SUNDAY 14 FEBRUARY / 12.40pm / NORWOOD OVAL
SATURDAY 20 FEBRUARY / 2.10pm / FREMANTLE OVAL
FREMANTLE 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.1 | 7.1 (43)
FREMANTLE 0.0 | 1.5 | 4.7 | 7.13 (55)
ADELAIDE 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 1.7 (13)
GOLD COAST 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 (6)
KEY STATS GOALS Houghton, Sharp 2 DISPOSALS Bowers 23 MARKS Cain 6 TACKLES Bowers 13 AFLW B&F Bowers 3, Houghton 2
KEY STATS INJURIES Nil UMPIRES Bryce, Harris, Lewis OFFICIAL CROWD 2,717 MILESTONE Stephanie Cain 25 games
GOALS O’Sullivan 2 DISPOSALS Miller, Bowers 17 MARKS Bowers 4 TACKLES Bowers 15 AFLW B&F Miller 3, O’Sullivan 2,
INJURIES Nil UMPIRES Johanson, Jago, Simmonds
OFFICIAL CROWD 2,410
Bowers 1
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
In a turbulent week where players were told to
Fremantle’s eleventh consecutive win in the AFLW
prepare for multiple weeks interstate away from work
was one of their most convincing, with a 49-point
and family, Fremantle delivered what was arguably
win against Gold Coast. Gabby O’Sullivan was
their greatest ever AFLW performance, taking down
Fremantle’s only multiple goal kicker with two
premiership fancies Adelaide with a convincing
majors, while Roxy Roux, Hayley Miller, Ashley
30-point win at Norwood Oval. Freo’s exhilarating speed proved too
Sharp, Ebony Antonio and Sarah Verrier kicked one goal each.
much for the Crows, who were consigned to their lowest score in
Janelle Cuthbertson led a rock-solid defence, intercepting and
five years of competition, waiting until the sixth minute of the final
rebounding with 12 disposals, limiting the Suns to just one scoring
quarter to kick their opening goal. Gemma Houghton, Ashley Sharp
shot. Kiara Bowers played through a tag with 15 tackles while Miller
and Sabreena Duffy were all damaging up front while Kiara Bowers
was dominant in the centre with five clearances. From Freo’s seven
(23 disposals, 13 tackles) delivered another one of her trademark
majors, Roux’s check-side kick from the boundary was the clear
midfield performances.
highlight, sending Fremantle Oval into raptures.
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 19
2021 aflw Season review
Round 5
Round 6
BrISBane
WeST cOaST
SATURDAY 27 FEBRUARY / 2.10pm / FREMANTLE OVAL
SUNDAY 7 MARCH / 1.40pm / OPTUS STADIUM
FREMANTLE 0.2 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 1.8 (14)
FREMANTLE 2.2 | 5.5 | 10.6 | 11.9 (75)
BRISBANE 1.1 | 1.2 | 2.7 | 3.7 (25)
WEST COAST 0.1 | 0.1 | 1.1 | 1.2 (8)
KEY STATS GOALS Roux DISPOSALS Bowers 24 MARKS Bowers 6 TACKLES Bowers 8 AFLW B&F Bowers 2
KEY STATS INJURIES Nil UMPIRES Bryce, Fry, Jago OFFICIAL CROWD 3,243
GOALS Houghton 5 DISPOSALS Bowers 24 MARKS O’Sullivan 10 TACKLES Haynes 8 AFLW B&F Houghton 3, Bowers
INJURIES Nil UMPIRES Fry, Jago, Simmonds OFFICIAL CROWD 9,552
2, Duffy 1
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
Fremantle’s impressive 11-game winning streak came
Fremantle got their season back on track in emphatic
to an end at the hands of the eventual premiers, with
fashion with a 67-point win in the second RAC Derby
Brisbane holding on in a thrilling finish at Fremantle
of the season at Optus Stadium. The clash saw
Oval. After kicking 0.7 in the opening three terms, Roxy
superstar forward Gemma Houghton play a career-
Roux’s booming goal cut the margin to five points before
best game with five goals, while Sabreena Duffy
the Lions kicked the final major. It was Fremantle’s first loss since
(three goals) and Gabby O’Sullivan (two) also had big days. Despite
the 2019 preliminary final, also ending a 12-game winning run at
Houghton’s brilliance it was Kiara Bowers who would win her third
Fremantle Oval that stretched back to round five, 2018.
straight best on ground medal with 24 possessions (18 contested) and nine clearances.
20 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
Round 7
Round 8
carlTOn
MelBOurne
SUNDAY 14 MARCH / 1.10pm / IKON PARK
SUNDAY 21 MARCH / 3.10pm / FREMANTLE OVAL
FREMANTLE 0.1 | 2.3 | 3.7 | 6.9 (45)
FREMANTLE 0.1 | 0.6 | 2.7 | 4.8 (32)
CARLTON 3.4 | 3.5 | 5.5 | 6.5 (41)
MELBOURNE 3.2 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 5.7 (37)
KEY STATS GOALS Stewart, Duffy 2 DISPOSALS Bowers 28 MARKS K Antonio, Cain, Pugh 3 TACKLES Bowers, Miller 10 AFLW B&F Bowers 3
KEY STATS INJURIES Nil UMPIRES Bryce, Pell, Porter OFFICIAL CROWD 2,048
GOALS Roux 2 DISPOSALS Haynes 16 MARKS E Antonio, Cain 4 TACKLES Bowers 11 AFLW B&F Haynes 1
INJURIES Nil UMPIRES Adams, Rowe, Simmonds
OFFICIAL CROWD 2,233
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
Three goals in the space of 90 seconds in the final term
With a home final on the line, Fremantle were left
delivered a miracle win for Fremantle against Carlton
heartbroken at Fremantle Oval as their remarkable
at Ikon Park. Trailing by 14 points with five minutes to
comeback fell just short in an enthralling tussle with
play, Sabreena Duffy delivered back-to-back goals with
Melbourne. The Dees kicked the first four goals of
a dribbler from the goal square and then a bomb from
the match before Freo came charging home through
outside 50. Tiah Haynes won the next clearance, leading to a Gemma
goals to Roxy Roux (two), Gabby O’Sullivan and Gemma Houghton.
Houghton mark and goal to give Freo a lead that they protected
Houghton’s goal gave Freo a brief lead in the final quarter before
through the tense final four minutes. Jasmin Stewart was heroic
Maddison Gay kicked the winner against the run of play for
through the midfield with 12 disposals and two goals while Kiara
Melbourne.
Bowers impressed again with 28 touches and 10 tackles.
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 21
2021 aflw Season review
Round 9
Qualifying Final
nOrTH MelBOurne
MelBOurne
SATURDAY 27 MARCH / 1.10pm / ARDEN STREET OVAL
SATURDAY 3 APRIL / 1.05pm / CASEY FIELDS
FREMANTLE 0.1 | 2.1 | 4.2 | 4.5 (29)
FREMANTLE 0.2 | 0.2 | 3.5 | 3.5 (23)
NORTH MELBOURNE 1.0 | 2.2 | 3.3 | 4.6 (30)
MELBOURNE 1.2 | 3.3 | 4.3 | 5.10 (40)
KEY STATS GOALS K Antonio, Bowers, Houghton, O’Sullivan
DISPOSALS Bowers 19 MARKS E Antonio, Cain 6 TACKLES Webb, Bowers 7 AFLW B&F Bowers 1
KEY STATS INJURIES Nil UMPIRES McGinness, Porter, Rodger
OFFICIAL CROWD 1,223
GOALS Duffy, Houghton, Sharp DISPOSALS Bowers 20 MARKS Cain 5 TACKLES Bowers 17
INJURIES Nil UMPIRES Bailes, McGinness, Pell OFFICIAL CROWD 1,174 MILESTONE Kiara Bowers, Angelique Stannett, Sabreena Duffy 25 games
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
A thriller at Arden Street saw Fremantle’s hopes of
Fremantle’s 2021 hopes were literally and figuratively
a home final dashed as North Melbourne won an
blown away in the Qualifying Final at Casey Fields.
arm-wrestle by a single point. A slow Fremantle start
The Demons made the most of their home ground
was tempered by its backline, with the likes of Janelle
advantage, expertly handling the hot, blustery
Cuthbertson and Laura Pugh helping Freo rebound with
conditions to keep Freo at bay. With the season on the
ease, holding North to one first-quarter goal from 10 inside 50s. The
line, Kiara Bowers was relentless with 20 disposals and 17 tackles
midfield then got on top of the contest and captain Kara Antonio
to help turn the tide in the third term, where Freo kicked all of their
kicked truly in the third term to give Freo the lead. Fremantle had
three goals through Sabreena Duffy, Ashley Sharp and Gemma
an opportunity to take back the lead in the final 90 seconds after
Houghton. But it wasn't enough as Melbourne ran out 17-point
a superb passage of play with Kiara Bowers and Ebony Antonio
winners and progressed to the Preliminary Final.
showing incredible vision to pierce North's defence, but Tiah Haynes' set shot drifted wide.
22 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
Kiara
BOWERS
NO. 1 IN
DISPOSALS KICKS TA C K L E S C O N T. P O S S E S S I O N S INSIDE 50s
TACKLES
INSIDE 50s
INTERCEPT MARKS
1.
Kiara Bowers
110
1.
Kiara Bowers
29
1.
Janelle Cuthbertson
2.
Hayley Miller
55
1.
Stephanie Cain
29
2.
Ebony Antonio
11
3.
Tiah Haynes
41
3.
Ebony Antonio
26
3.
Stephanie Cain
8
4.
Ebony Antonio
39
4.
Hayley Miller
25
3.
Matilda Sergeant
8
5.
Kara Antonio
34
5.
Kara Antonio
22
5.
Laura Pugh
7
21
CLEARANCES METRES GAINED
DISPOSALS
CONT. POSSESSIONS
CLEARANCES
METRES GAINED
1.
Kiara Bowers
211
1.
Kiara Bowers
124
1.
Kiara Bowers
65
1.
Kiara Bowers
3185
2.
Hayley Miller
134
2.
Hayley Miller
92
2.
Hayley Miller
35
2.
Stephanie Cain
2857
3.
Stephanie Cain
125
3.
Ebony Antonio
57
3.
Tiah Haynes
23
3.
Ebony Antonio
2274
4.
Ebony Antonio
124
4.
Sabreena Duffy
56
4.
Jasmin Stewart
11
4.
Hayley Miller
2173
5.
Tiah Haynes
115
4.
Laura Pugh
56
5.
Stephanie Cain
10
5.
Tiah Haynes
2085
KICKS
GOALS
SPOILS
HIT-OUTS
1.
Kiara Bowers
158
1.
Gemma Houghton
15
1.
Laura Pugh
30
1.
Mim Strom
112
2.
Stephanie Cain
101
2.
Sabreena Duffy
10
2.
Janelle Cuthbertson
24
2.
Roxanne Roux
61
3.
Tiah Haynes
89
3.
Roxanne Roux
6
2.
Angelique Stannett
24
3.
Gemma Houghton
9
4.
Ebony Antonio
88
4.
Gabby O’Sullivan
5
4.
Matilda Sergeant
17
4.
Hayley Miller
88
5.
Ashley Sharp
4
5.
Emma O’Driscoll
16
MARKS
SCORE INVOLVEMENTS
REBOUND 50s
1.
Ebony Antonio
37
1.
Gemma Houghton
45
1.
Janelle Cuthbertson
28
2.
Stephanie Cain
36
2.
Kara Antonio
33
2.
Kiara Bowers
22
3.
Gabby O’Sullivan
28
3.
Sabreena Duffy
32
3.
Laura Pugh
21
4.
Janelle Cuthbertson
27
4.
Kiara Bowers
30
4.
Philipa Seth
19
4.
Gemma Houghton
27
5.
Gabby O’Sullivan
29
5.
Stephanie Cain
15
aflw awArds
24 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
TurbO’S Terrific 2021 KIA RA B OW E RS M A D E FREM A N T LE H ISTO RY I N A D O M INA NT 2021 SE ASON
F
BOWERS’ 2021 D OMINANCE
remantle superstar Kiara Bowers
Her average of 6.5 clearances per game was
AFLW Best and Fairest – Joint winner with
joined Nat Fyfe as the only Fremantle
just under one clearance per game more than
Brianna Davey
players to win a league best and
the next best in the league, ahead of GWS
AFLCA Champion Player of the Year
fairest award, with her 2021 triumph
Giant Alyce Parker.
All Australian (Third time) All Australian Vice Captain
highlighting the several accolades the As expected, Bowers dominated the tackle
Fremantle Fairest and Best (Third time)
count with an average of 11 per game, more
Fremantle Players’ Award (Third time)
The award, which is the equivalent to the
than four tackles per game than the next best
Best on Ground medal RAC Derby (Round 2)
Brownlow Medal in the AFL competition, was
player.
Best on Ground medal RAC Derby (Round 6)
midfielder earned for her dominant season.
held around the country in April with the WA contingent based at Optus Stadium.
She was the only player to average more than 100 AFL Fantasy points with an average of
AFLW BEST AND FAIREST
Bowers finished the nail-biting count equal
108.7 points per game. The next closest was
WHERE FREMANTLE EARNED VOTES
with Collingwood’s Brianna Davey on 15 votes
Adelaide’s Ebony Marinoff (97.2) and Davey
from nine games, with the pair named joint
(94.8).
winners of the award. Bowers also ranked in the top 10 for disposals Bowers had three best on ground
(21.1 per game), metres gained (319) and
performances with three votes against West
contested possessions (12.4).
Coast in round two, Adelaide in round three and Carlton in round seven.
the AFLW.
Gold Coast, round five against Brisbane and round six against West Coast. After trailing
“It (the feeling) is utter shock at the moment.
going into the final round, her one vote against
I definitely didn’t think I was going to win,
North Melbourne brought her into a tie with
there’s incredible players out there that were
Davey.
easily going to run over the top, so I feel very fortunate to wear this around my neck,”
Fremantle’s Gemma Houghton, Sabreena
Votes 3 2
Round 2 v West Coast K. Bowers H. Miller
Votes 3 1
Round 3 v Adelaide K. Bowers G. Houghton
Votes 3 2
Round 4 v Gold Coast H. Miller G. O’Sullivan K. Bowers
Votes 3 2 1
Round 5 v Brisbane K. Bowers
Votes 2
Round 6 v West Coast G. Houghton K. Bowers S. Duffy
Votes 3 2 1
Round 7 v Carlton K. Bowers
Votes 3
Round 8 v Melbourne T. Haynes
Votes 1
Round 9 v North Melbourne K. Bowers
Votes 1
She said it was hard to get her head around finishing alongside so many great players in
She also polled votes in round four against
Round 1 v GWS G. Houghton S. Duffy
Bowers said, of her medal win.
Duffy, Hayley Miller, Gabby O’Sullivan and Tiah Haynes also polled in the award.
“I never thought it would be possible, there’s definitely shock going through me at the
Prespakis in 2020, Bowers became the first Fremantle player to win the AFL Women’s award. She was also announced as vice-captain of the All Australian team and was the winner of the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year award. During the year she won two best on ground medals from Freo’s two RAC Derby clashes
moment.”
“ “IT (THE FEELING) IS
UTTER SHOCK AT THE MOMENT. I DEFINITELY DIDN’T THINK I WAS GOING TO WIN.
“
After finishing runner-up to Carlton’s Maddy
against West Coast.
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 25
aflw awArds
Fremantle’s
faireST anD beST W hile Kiara Bowers was a
perform that role every week, particularly in
predictable winner of the
such a difficult position like the wing. Steph is
2021 Fremantle’s Fairest and
really developing her leadership as well and
Best, and Players’ Award in
we’re very fortunate to have her wearing the
May, a number of her teammates were also
purple.
recognised for their impressive efforts. “For Janelle, it’s only her third year of football Stephanie Cain was a worthy runner-up,
and her improvement’s just been rapid. To do
placing second on 140 votes behind Bowers’
so while carrying a significant injury as well, it
180 votes.
shows the courage she’s got.
Cain’s resurgence was remarkable considering
“We’re rapt with what she did and she’s also
she played round one less than 12 months after
extremely popular with her teammates, they
injuring her ACL in the 2020 competition.
know how much she puts into her work and how much she tries to improve.
While the midfielder was expected to build through the season, Cain had an instant
“She’s getting the rewards for that and, as a
impact as she starred on the wing.
Club, we’re getting the rewards for it as well.”
Key defender Janelle Cuthbertson also fought
In other awards on the night, Ange Stannett
through adversity to finish third on 116 votes.
was announced as the 2021 Best Clubwoman for consistently putting the needs of the team
In just her second AFLW season, Cuthbertson
first.
FREMANTLE FAIREST AND BEST – TOP 10 1.
Kiara Bowers
180
2.
Stephanie Cain
140
3.
Janelle Cuthbertson
116
4.
Gemma Houghton
115
5.
Hayley Miller
111
6.
Angelique Stannett
109
7.
Roxanne Roux
105
8.
Laura Pugh
104
9.
Ebony Antonio
102
10. Sabreena Duffy
97
played with a broken rib for half of the season to be one of the AFLW’s most dominant
The skilful Sarah Verrier won the Best First
defenders.
Year Player award after impressing in a
OTHE R AWARDS
number of roles in her debut season. Senior coach Trent Cooper paid tribute to the
“We probably didn’t expect either Steph or Janelle to be this high at the start of the year,” Cooper said. “For Steph, we were hoping she would hit this type of form by the end of next season. It’s rare someone can come back from such a significant injury and then have their best year ever. “It’s a real luxury as a coach to have a magnet that you just set and know they’re going to
26 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
“
Players’ Award – Kiara Bowers Best Clubwoman – Angelique Stannett
IT’S RARE SOMEONE CAN COME BACK FROM SUCH A SIGNIFICANT INJURY AND THEN HAVE THEIR BEST YEAR EVER. — COOPER ON CAIN
“
pair at the awards night.
Best First Year Player – Sarah Verrier
1. MC Nadia Mitsopolous with Kiara Bowers 2. Hayley Miller, Tash Rigby, Janelle Cuthbertson, Angelique Stannett 3. Ebony Antonio, Kara Antonio 4. Roxy Roux, Mim Strom, Gabby O’Sullivan
aflw awArds
1
3
27 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
2
4
DOig meDal
DOig Medal
S
ean Darcy was crowned the winner
The 23-year-old then made his move, polling in
The playing career and administrative
of the 2021 Doig Medal after a
the top three for every game between rounds
contributions of Stephen O’Reilly were also
close count at the Doig Medal
12 and 15 and earning the most votes in every
celebrated on the night, with the inaugural
Presentation Dinner at Crown Perth
game between rounds 16 and 18.
Freo Docker inducted as a Life Member.
on 2 October. His season was highlighted by 20 votes
Two-time premiership coach Cam Shepherd
The ruckman polled 222 votes, 15 votes ahead
against Hawthorn in round 17, where he had
was acknowledged for his nine years as
of runner-up David Mundy, who finished the
a career high 16 contested possessions, 25
Peel Thunder’s senior coach. His dedication
count on 207 votes.
disposals and 13 hit outs to advantage from his
throughout the alignment ensured the
26 hit outs. From his nine marks, seven were
development of Fremantle’s youth was always
Young gun mids Andrew Brayshaw (186), Caleb
intercepts and six were contested – one off a
at the forefront.
Serong (155) and Adam Cerra (147) rounded
Fremantle record. Former board member Grant Donaldson
out the top five with 2020 winner Luke Ryan in Emerging defender Hayden Young won the
received the Con Regan Medal, which
Beacon Award as the best young player,
recognises outstanding service and dedication
Following each game, Justin Longmuir and
polling the most votes out of eligible players,
to the Fremantle Football Club.
four coaches – Josh Carr, Matthew Boyd, David
which includes all first-year players and
Hale and Joel Corey – allocated up to five votes
second-year players who had 10 or less games
Haylie and Phil Dowson were honoured with
to each player based on how they performed
experience to start the season.
Outstanding Service Awards, recognising their
sixth on 140 votes.
dedication to raising money for the Club’s
their role, meaning a player could receive up to 25 votes in a game for an outstanding or elite
Lachie Schultz won the Players’ Trademark
Starlight Purple Haze Game with a record
performance.
Award, with the tenacious forward receiving
$147,500 raised in 2021 at the annual Starlight
the accolade at a players’ function ahead of
fundraising event in Kalgoorlie.
Darcy’s first Doig Medal triumph is also his first
the Doig Medal ceremony.
top-10 finish in the count in his five seasons. At the half-way point of the season, Darcy sat in
For the first time, there was a tie in the voting
third in the standings, 22 votes behind David
for the Best Clubman, with Mundy and Serong
Mundy and nine behind Nat Fyfe.
taking out the award.
28 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
2021 aflw awards
2
1
2
3
4 DOIG MEDAL––TO TOP D OIG MEDAL P 10 10
5 1. Sam Switkowski and Savannah Monkhouse
4. Andrew Brayshaw and Lizzie Stock
2. Michael Frederick, Joel Western,
5. Zoe Frewer, Griffin Logue, Lily Pittard,
Brandon Walker, Liam Henry 3. Lachie Schultz, Blake Acres, Darcy Tucker
29 >>> Docker annuAl 2021
Joel Hamling
1.
Sean Darcy
222
2.
David Mundy
207
3.
Andrew Brayshaw
186
4.
Caleb Serong
155
5.
Adam Cerra
147
6.
Luke Ryan
140
7.
Nathan Fyfe
130
8.
Lachlan Schultz
118
9.
Travis Colyer
115
10. Sam Switkowski
105
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 29
DOig meDal
DOig
Medallist
SEAN DA RCY 30 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
2021 aflw awards
2
021 Doig Medal champion Sean
“When that’s going, I feel like our roles are
In his speech, Darcy paid tribute to his
Darcy feels his best yet to come.
going. Around the ground, following up,
teammates and those who have had the
clearances, handball receives, ground ball
biggest impact on his career.
Shocked to finish ahead of star
gets, tackles – it’s something that we really
veteran David Mundy, Darcy said he
pride ourselves on, especially as ruckmen.
“I’d love to thank the boys, I honestly love every single one of you guys. You make life so much
can only see improvement coming in his game as he judged his 2021 season with a critical
“We feel like our game flows from that and it’s
easier seeing you every day. Secondly the
lens despite triumphing as Freo’s best through
something I do a lot of work on in the pre-
coaches, you put so much trust and faith into
the season.
season and we went from there.”
me and working with me every day, I can’t wait
In front of more than 1000 guests at Crown
The Doig Medal goes alongside Darcy’s
Perth at the Doig Medal Presentation Dinner
selection as one of three rucks in the All
“To my family, it’s been a disappointing couple
in October, Darcy said he felt a premiership
Australian squad as the 23-year-old continued
of years not having you coming over and
was on the horizon as he became the 16th
to be recognised for his breakout year.
hanging out as much as we want, I really miss
for the next few years,” Darcy said.
you deeply and hopefully the borders can open
Fremantle player to recieve the award. Darcy hopes his growth can continue and feels He is the second consecutive player from
up soon so we can hang out.
there is more to work on this summer. “To the fans, you guys are awesome, we love
Fremantle’s 2017 draft class to win the award, alongside Luke Ryan, and the no.38 pick
“I want to get better in a whole lot of areas,”
the Purple Army and it gives us an extra gear
reflected on his journey to Fremantle from
Darcy said.
when we play at Optus.”
country Victoria. “First of all, my fitness, we have a time trial “It’s been a crazy ride so far moving from
and I want to come back in really good shape, I
Cobham over in Victoria to here, it’s been a
want to lose a couple kilos and get a bit leaner.
great ride so far and like Andy Brayshaw said, a premiership is the goal, we won’t rest until we
“My goalkicking, I thought that tailed off in the
get there,” Darcy said.
last six to seven weeks. I was a bit inconsistent with that, so I need to get that back on track.
“It (winning the Doig Medal) still hasn’t sunk in at the moment, I really didn’t think I was going
“My marking, I thought was inconsistent,
to get up, I thought David Mundy had it for sure
tackling as well. I think everything in my game I
so I’m a bit embarrassed to be up here. He was
can improve on.”
but I’m sure I’ll get used to it.” Darcy joins two-time winner Aaron Sandilands as Freo rucks to win the award and now sits alongside Nathan Fyfe and Matthew Pavlich as the only players to win the prestigious medal as a 23-year-old. As his ruck coach, Darcy credited Sandilands for his career to date.
“
I’D LOVE TO THANK THE BOYS, I HONESTLY LOVE EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU GUYS. YOU MAKE LIFE SO MUCH EASIER SEEING YOU EVERY DAY.
“
an unbelievable player this year. It’s a bit weird
“I think (improvement came from) my follow up around the ground, it’s something that my coach and I, Aaron, always talk about,” Darcy said.
31 >>> Docker annuAl 2021
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 31
DOig meDal
beacOn
Award
HAYD E N YOU N G
H
“It’s been a journey, but I’ve been very lucky that the Freo family, footy Club and the broader community have really embraced me. “I’m really loving it over here and although it’s been a challenging two years with injuries and Covid and being away from family, I feel really supported, my girlfriend is over here and she’s
ayden Young only needed to play
career-high 23 disposals.
loving it. I’m loving my time here and I’m really looking forward to the future.”
eight games to earn enough votes to be awarded Fremantle’s Beacon
The 20-year-old said he wasn’t expecting the
Award winner, announced at the
award but was pleased to have some reward
Young said he had an important support
Doig Medal Presentation Dinner in October.
following a difficult injury run to start his AFL
network with his teammates while
career.
rehabilitating his injuries.
the AFL’s NAB Rising Star Award, excluding the
The no.7 pick has played 13 games since being
“To the playing group, you guys have been
age criteria where a player is still eligible to win
drafted ahead of the 2020 season, battling
massive for the past two years,” Young said.
the award in his second year if he has played 10
significant ankle and hamstring injuries.
The Beacon Award uses the same criteria as
“The boys I’ve spent time with in rehab, Alex
or less AFL games in his first year. “I’m a little surprised to be honest but it is nice
Pearce, Joel Hamling, Sam Switkowski, Sam
In a year that was hampered by a serious
to get some recognition for the work I’ve put in
Sturt, I really appreciate you boys.
hamstring injury, Young earned votes in seven
during the past two years,” Young said. “It is really challenging when you come to a
of his eight appearances in 2021. ‘I think it’s a credit to the physios and strength
Club and have high ambitions and have a few
He was one of Fremantle’s best in round one
and conditioning staff that have really
setbacks.
when the defence was under siege after Alex
helped me because I had a lot of injuries that
Pearce and Joel Hamling sustained injuries and
hampered my progress but it’s nice to be
“To those boys that have helped me along the
was crucial in the win against Richmond with a
recognised.
way, I really appreciate it.”
32 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
2021 aflw awards
beST
Clubmen
CA L E B S E RO NG & DAV ID M UNDY
N
ot only did David Mundy and Caleb
“I’ve absolutely loved being over here and
“For a long time this award was won by either
Serong share an award at the
everyone in this room, the supporters, the
Matt de Boer or Tendai Mzungu. Those guys
Doig Medal Presentation Dinner
coaching staff, the players have embraced me
really epitomised what it means to be a
in October, the pair also share
immensely and I’ve absolutely loved being over
great clubman and I hold those guys up on a
the same love for Freo as they gave context
here and my partner Chloe absolutely loves it
pedestal of the best clubmen that I’ve ever
to their efforts both on and off the field
as well. She’s settled in and we definitely call
seen and tried to model some of my behaviour
throughout 2021.
WA home now,” Serong said.
on those guys so it’s nice to be up here to get
The award acknowledges the player that
“(Learning from David Mundy) it’s not just on
consistently puts the needs of the Club first
field, everything from stoppage craft, running
“In terms of being dedicated to their craft and
and willingly accepts responsibility to improve
patterns to preparation for games. Off field, it’s
really eager to learn, listen, ask questions and
the whole Club environment.
the mental prep, the way to approach training
doing anything it takes, Caleb certainly has
and get through a season. He’s elite in all those
those elements.
this award,” Mundy said.
As co-winners, the pair were both delighted to
areas and he’s teaching us young boys about it
share the award as they paid tribute to each
so he’s a great guy to learn off.”
“The Club over the years has really prioritised great character. We’ve brought in a lot of great
other’s hard work and dedication. Mundy said Serong was an example of
people into the football Club, not just in a
Serong said he’s had an ‘amazing’ time since
Fremantle prioritising good characters when
playing aspect but in the football admin and
joining Fremantle ahead of the 2020 season
building its list.
the upstairs staff as well so it’s a pleasure to
and is already feeling settled in WA.
33 >>> Docker annuAl 2021
be here.”
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 33
2021 aflw awards TribuTeS
lIfe
Membership
STEPH EN O’ REILLY
S
tephen O’Reilly’s Fremantle career
O’Reilly was presented the award by former
O’Reilly paid tribute to those who helped
and contributions were honoured at
teammate and fellow Life Member Dale
build the Club from the ground up in the mid-
the 2021 Doig Medal Presentation
Kickett and said he was thrilled by the honour.
nineties.
“It’s a huge honour and I’m really proud to be
“The early days were pretty tough, no-one
here. I’ve been involved in the Club as a player
really knew what they were doing, and that’s
A Life Membership is the greatest honour that
and a director for over 15 years. It’s a really
no offence to anyone,” O’Reilly said.
can be bestowed by the Fremantle Dockers
fantastic moment for me,” O’Reilly said.
Dinner, becoming the 31st person to
be inducted as a Life Member.
“It was pretty hard to establish a football Club
Football Club. “I’ve always had a real passion for Fremantle.
from the start, but they did it, we had some
An inaugural Fremantle Docker, O’Reilly played
I was a part of the inaugural team and played
terrific people involved early in the Club who
98 games for Fremantle between 1995 and
in the first ever game. I had the opportunity
worked hard to get the Club going in the right
1999 and was a board member for 10 years
12 years ago, I was approached to join the
direction.
between 2009 and 2019.
board and I thought I could make a difference. I was happy to get on board. It’s been a really
“Looking at the Club now, being involved in the
He played every game in 1996, helping restrict
enjoyable journey, frustrating at times as the
last 10 years, it’s come a long way, it’s a really
some of the most legendary forwards in AFL
Club obviously wants the ultimate success,
professional organisation and on the right path
history on the way to winning the Doig Medal.
but to be a part of that and continue it over
to success.”
the years, I’ve found it really rewarding and Traditionally, a player needs 150 games at
fulfilling.”
Fremantle to be eligible for Life Membership however O’Reilly was also credited for his 10
PICTURED: Stephen O’Reilly (right) with
years on the board.
last year’s Life Membership inductee Dale Kickett (left).
34 >>> DOcker Docker annuAl 2021
2021 aflw awards
hilly’S
Emotional Farewell W
hile the media-shy Stephen
“To my Mum, I want to thank you so much for
Hill joked about his relief
all the sacrifices you made to get me where
of doing his final speaking
I am now. You’re the reason why I wanted to
engagement at the Doig
work so hard to become a successful player,
Medal, the newly retired Fremantle legend
thank you so much, I love you.”
used every moment of his time on stage at Crown Perth to give an emotional farewell to
Hill saved his final words for the Purple Army,
the Purple Army.
with one fan screaming ‘we love you Hilly’ to a huge applause.
The 218-game player said he feels he will struggle watching Freo play on the sidelines
“Of course to all our supporters, you’re
but was excited to see what the Club could
absolutely incredible,” Hill said.
achieve in the coming years. “It’s been an amazing journey playing in front As always, the humble Hill gave credit to his
of you guys, I’m going to miss running out in
support network for helping him develop into
front of you.”
a Freo great. “There’s so many people I’d like to thank, the footy Club for giving me the opportunity 13 years ago, there’s been so many people help me become the player and person I am today,” Hill said. “From the coaches, Mark Harvey, Ross Lyon and Justin Longmuir, thank you guys so much. All the staff that put so much work into the Club, they’ve helped me out so much and all the players coming through. “To the playing group, I’m going to miss you guys, it was a tough year but to see you guys every day really helped me. It was really enjoyable so thank you.” Hill was especially thankful to his mother and wife. “I have to thank my family for all the support over the years, especially my wife Chantala, thank you so much for putting up with me throughout the ups and downs, you’ve been amazing,” Hill said.
35 >>> Docker annuAl 2021
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 35
afl aWArDS
afl aWArDS
More Serong Gongs! 36 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
2021 aflw awards
Y
oung star Caleb Serong added to
It was the third time a Fremantle player has
his growing list of accolades in 2021,
won the award, joining Winston Abraham
winning two major AFL awards.
(1996) and Hayden Ballantyne (2011).
The 20-year-old was named a co-winner of the
Serong became just the fourth player to have
AFL Coaches Association Best Young Player
30+ disposals and multiple goals in an RAC
Award alongside Gold Coast’s Noah Anderson.
Derby and he was awarded the Glendinning-
The pair received 35 votes each from the AFL
Allan Medal as the best on ground.
coaches across the 2020 and 2021 seasons, finishing five votes ahead of Gold Coast’s Matt
Three Fremantle players were also named in
Rowell who finished on 30 votes.
the AFL Players 22under22 team, with Andrew Brayshaw the vice captain, Sean Darcy in the
The 2020 NAB AFL Rising Star winner said he
ruck and Adam Cerra on the bench.
took great pride in an award judged upon by the coaching fraternity.
Darcy and David Mundy were also named in the 40-man 2021 All Australian squad but did
“It’s a great honour, I try and judge my game on
not earn final selection in the team.
what our coaches think,” Serong said. “I have really good chats with Justin Longmuir and Josh Carr and listen to what they think. “To get recognised a little bit from the coaches of other teams is a great honour because they watch the game very closely. “It was great to get named alongside Noah, he is someone I have played with and against since we were 12 years old. “We have kind of come up in the system together, and he is playing great footy at the moment.” Despite the significance of being recognised by the senior coaches, Serong’s Goal of the Year win was the one that grabbed the headlines. The spectacular snap against West Coast in the round 22 RAC Derby helped Freo seal the win against West Coast and sent Optus Stadium into raptures.
37 >>> Docker annuAl 2021
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 37
2021 AFL
PERSONS NAME
Season Review
2021 AFL SeAson review
Round 1
Round 2
MelBOurne
GWS
SATURDAY 20 MARCH / 1.45pm / MCG
SUNDAY 28 MARCH / 3.10pm / OPTUS STADIUM
FREMANTLE 0.4 | 3.8 | 6.9 | 8.10 (58)
FREMANTLE 4.6 | 5.12 | 9.16 | 11.21 (87)
MELBOURNE 4.4 | 7.6 | 9.8 | 11.14 (80)
GWS 1.5 | 1.9 | 3.12 | 7.14 (56)
KEY STATS GOALS Taberner 3 DISPOSALS Brayshaw 29 MARKS Cerra 7 TACKLES Switkowski, Cerra, Fyfe, Ryan, Schultz 5
KEY STATS INJURIES Pearce (knee), Hamling (leg)
UMPIRES Deboy, Stephens, Harris OFFICIAL CROWD 21,365 DEBUT Lloyd Meek
GOALS Schultz 3 DISPOSALS Mundy 35 MARKS Ryan 10 TACKLES Schultz, Brayshaw 6 BROWNLOW Mundy 3, Brayshaw 2, Switkowski 1
INJURIES Fyfe (concussion) UMPIRES Power, Dalgleish, Johanson
OFFICIAL CROWD 27,625 DEBUT Heath Chapman MILESTONE James Aish 100 AFL games
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
A slow start and injuries hampered what could have
A dominant performance saw Fremantle put GWS
been a promising opening to the 2021 season. Freo
to the sword in what could have been a significant
had conceded five consecutive majors before Sam
winning margin had Freo converted more than 11 of
Switkowski finally got the visitors on the board midway
their 32 scoring opportunities. Fremantle won the
through the second term. Alex Pearce started the game
clearances (29-21), inside 50s (58-42) and dominated
playing forward due to a lengthy injury list in attack, and then sustained
the contested ball (145-113) in the convincing win. Andrew Brayshaw
a knee injury which left Freo further devoid of marking targets outside
(32 disposals, two goals) and David Mundy (35 disposals and six
of Matt Taberner (three goals). Fremantle were able to lift to get within
clearances) were brilliant in the midfield. Ruckman Sean Darcy
16 points in the final term, however the Dees held on for their first win in
provided a highlight in his return match, flicking a delightful hit-out
their premiership winning year.
over his shoulder to Sam Switkowski who snapped truly, while Lachie Schultz finished with three goals.
40 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
Round 3
Round 4
carlTOn
HaWTHOrn
SUNDAY 4 APRIL / 3.20pm / MARVEL STADIUM
SUNDAY 11 APRIL / 2.40pm / OPTUS STADIUM
FREMANTLE 3.1 | 4.4 | 6.7 | 9.10 (64)
FREMANTLE 5.6 | 6.11 | 10.12 | 13.18 (96)
CARLTON 3.5 | 9.9 | 13.11 | 16.13 (109)
HAWTHORN 0.2 | 5.4 | 8.8 | 12.9 (81)
KEY STATS GOALS Walters, Taberner 2 DISPOSALS Ryan 24 MARKS Frederick, Giro, Taberner 8 TACKLES Mundy 11
KEY STATS INJURIES Nil UMPIRES Donlon, Stevic, Glouftsis
OFFICIAL CROWD 24,551
GOALS Darcy 3 DISPOSALS Fyfe 30 MARKS Taberner 9 TACKLES Cerra 6 BROWNLOW Mundy 2, Darcy 1
INJURIES Nil UMPIRES O’Gorman, Findlay, Williamson
OFFICIAL CROWD 29,490 DEBUT Josh Treacy
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
Outside of an early flurry in the first quarter that
After being called out by senior coach Justin Longmuir
saw Fremantle take a nine-point lead, Freo failed to
for hanging some teammates out to dry in round
threaten the Blues who dominated the uncontested
three, Fremantle upped the ante against the Hawks
ball 279 to 187 and marks 117 to 78. From halfway
and got physical on their way to a 13.18 (96) to 12.9
through the first term to late in the second, the Blues
(81) win. In a fiery clash, Freo benefited from the
kicked seven consecutive goals with Harry McKay kicking four of his
return of champion midfielder Nat Fyfe, who led the physical charge
seven goals for the day during the run. Acting captain David Mundy
in the midfield and was superb with 31 possessions. Mundy was
had a career-high 11 tackles while young midfield trio Caleb Serong
also excellent in the midfield, continuing a brilliant first month with
(22 disposals), Andrew Brayshaw (19) and Adam Cerra (19) were
25 disposals, seven clearances and nine inside 50s. Ruckman Sean
outmatched by Carlton mids Sam Walsh (37 disposals) and Patrick
Darcy showed plenty of forward craft with three goals, while first-
Cripps (34).
year defender Heath Chapman was composed with 18 disposals.
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 41
2021 AFL SeAson review
Round 5
Round 6
aDelAIDe
nOrTH MelBOurne
SUNDAY 18 APRIL / 12.40pm / ADELAIDE OVAL
SATURDAY 24 APRIL / 6.15pm / OPTUS STADIUM
FREMANTLE 2.1 | 3.5 | 8.7 | 12.12 (84)
FREMANTLE 3.4 | 7.9 | 11.13 | 14.15 (99)
ADELAIDE 2.1 | 5.5 | 8.6 | 11.6 (72)
NORTH MELBOURNE 2.2 | 3.5 | 5.9 | 6.12 (48)
KEY STATS GOALS Taberner 4 DISPOSALS Brayshaw 33 MARKS Ryan 10 TACKLES Fyfe 9 BROWNLOW Brayshaw 3,
KEY STATS INJURIES Nil UMPIRES Rosebury, Nicholls, Heffernan
OFFICIAL CROWD 31,454
GOALS Schultz, Taberner 4 DISPOSALS Serong 35 MARKS Brayshaw, Ryan 8 TACKLES Darcy 8 BROWNLOW Mundy 3,
INJURIES Cox (ankle), Walters (eye)
UMPIRES Donlon, Meredith, Johanson
OFFICIAL CROWD No crowd
Ryan 2, Taberner 1
Serong 2, Fyfe 1
permitted
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
A stunning David Mundy snap kick-started a run of
In a physical clash at a locked-out Optus Stadium,
four consecutive goals in the final term to secure a
Fremantle soaked up an early flurry from the
rousing away win against Adelaide. Matt Taberner was
Kangaroos before taking over with authority. David
a constant threat in attack with four goals and onballer
Mundy continued his remarkable early-season form
Andrew Brayshaw was a standout with 33 disposals,
to finish with 30 disposals, eight clearances and three
including seven clearances. Luke Ryan (24 touches, 10 marks) was
goals. Caleb Serong (35 touches, six clearances and six inside 50s)
brilliant in defence while small forwards Travis Colyer and Lachie
and Nat Fyfe (34, seven and six) were superb in the midfield, giving
Schultz were important with two goals each.
the team a 37-26 clearance advantage, while Andrew Brayshaw (30 and four inside 50s) worked through early attention from Kayne Turner. Up front, Matt Taberner and Lachie Schultz booted four goals each. It was the first time the Club had won three consecutive matches since round 13, 2019, and the first time under senior coach Justin Longmuir.
42 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
Round 7
Round 8
WeST cOaST
BrISBane
SUNDAY 2 MAY / 2.40pm / OPTUS STADIUM
SUNDAY 9 MAY / 4.40pm / GABBA
FREMANTLE 4.0 | 9.3 | 11.5 | 11.7 (73)
FREMANTLE 2.1 | 3.3 | 7.7 | 10.11 (71)
WEST COAST 4.2 | 11.4 | 17.8 | 20.12 (132)
BRISBANE 5.4 | 8.7 | 12.9 | 14.11 (95)
KEY STATS GOALS Taberner 3 DISPOSALS Brayshaw 32 MARKS Watson 8 TACKLES Mundy 5
KEY STATS INJURIES Hughes (shoulder), Chapman (shoulder)
UMPIRES Margetts, Dalgleish, Johanson
GOALS Serong, Taberner 2 DISPOSALS Brayshaw 28 MARKS Lobb 8 TACKLES Fyfe 5
INJURIES Frederick (ankle) UMPIRES Foot, Whetton, Dore OFFICIAL CROWD 15,403
OFFICIAL CROWD No crowd permitted
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
After a promising start, Fremantle were dismantled by
Fremantle had no shortage of opportunities against
West Coast in a high-scoring, locked-out ‘away’ RAC
Brisbane, winning the inside 50 count 52 to 49 despite
Derby at Optus Stadium. Matt Taberner shone early
never really threatening the Lions in a four-goal loss.
with three majors, which was his seventh consecutive
The midfield worked hard with Andrew Brayshaw, Nat
game with multiple goals. Andrew Brayshaw toiled
Fyfe and David Mundy getting plenty of ball, but they
for Freo in the midfield with another strong performance with 32
were untidy at times and struggled to challenge Brisbane's defence.
disposals. David Mundy also had moments of brilliance with 29
Fremantle had no problem winning the ball – they just had trouble
disposals, five tackles, seven inside 50s and one goal.
scoring with it. Travis Colyer offered some good overlap run in the second half, allowing Fremantle to be much more dangerous when going forward.
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 43
2021 AFL SeAson review
Round 9
Round 10
eSSenDOn
SYDneY
SUNDAY 16 MAY / 1.10pm / MARVEL STADIUM
SATURDAY 22 MAY / 5.40pm / OPTUS STADIUM
FREMANTLE 2.2 | 4.6 | 7.9 | 8.13 (61)
FREMANTLE 3.2 | 6.6 | 10.11 | 12.14 (86)
ESSENDON 3.2 | 5.2 | 7.6 | 10.8 (68)
SYDNEY 4.0 | 9.3 | 9.4 | 13.6 (84)
KEY STATS GOALS Taberner 4 DISPOSALS Brayshaw 33 MARKS Cox 9 TACKLES Brayshaw, Darcy 8 BROWNLOW Mundy 2,
KEY STATS INJURIES Nil UMPIRES Stevic, Whetton, Mollison
OFFICIAL CROWD 26,357
GOALS Lobb 4 DISPOSALS Mundy 29 MARKS Lobb, Ryan 9 TACKLES Fyfe, Schultz,
INJURIES Nil UMPIRES Power, Dalgleish, Hosking
OFFICIAL CROWD 29,134
Switkowski 5
Taberner 1
BROWNLOW Lobb 2, Fyfe 1
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
Fremantle were again left to rue their inaccuracy in
Freo faced a Sydney outfit featuring Lance Franklin
front of goal, kicking 8.13 in a seven-point loss at Marvel
at his dangerous best, with Griffin Logue having
Stadium. Andrew Brayshaw (33 disposals), Nat Fyfe
impressive moments in an enthralling battle that
(29) and Adam Cerra (28) all won plenty of the ball,
still saw Franklin kick six goals. The ferocious and
while talls Sean Darcy (22 touches and 38 hitouts) and
high-quality contest swung repeatedly in the second
Matt Taberner (four goals) also excelled. A Michael Walters snap put
half, with the lead changing four times in the thrilling final term.
Fremantle ahead in the third term but Freo’s 1.4 final term compared
Rory Lobb was outstanding booting 4.0 and taking nine marks
to Essendon’s 3.2 saw the Bombers take a vital four points that would
(four contested). As well as kicking the match-winner, Nat Fyfe was
eventually be the difference between the teams at the end of the
dominant in the midfield, finishing with 27 disposals and a game-
season.
high 13 clearances – one shy of his career-best of 14. First-year forward Josh Treacy provided the highlight of the night, kicking his first AFL career goal on the run outside 50 to put Fremantle in front in the final term.
44 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
Round 11
Round 12
POrT aDelAIDe
WeSTern BullDOGS
SUNDAY 30 MAY / 4.50pm / ADELAIDE OVAL
SUNDAY 6 JUNE / 4.40pm / OPTUS STADIUM
FREMANTLE 0.7 | 6.10 | 8.13 | 9.15 (69)
FREMANTLE 2.2 | 4.4 | 7.8 | 9.11 (65)
PORT ADELAIDE 7.5 | 12.5 | 14.5 | 18.7 (115)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 3.3 | 6.8 | 8.10 | 13.15 (93)
KEY STATS GOALS Fyfe 2 DISPOSALS Brayshaw 28 MARKS Cerra, Aish 6 TACKLES Fyfe 6 BROWNLOW Fyfe 1
KEY STATS INJURIES Switkowski (hamstring) UMPIRES Dalgleish, Johanson, Bryce, Lewis
OFFICIAL CROWD 26,759
GOALS Treacy 3 DISPOSALS Mundy 30 MARKS Ryan 10 TACKLES Serong 9 BROWNLOW Mundy 2
INJURIES Logue (concussion), Fyfe (shoulder), Cox (hamstring), Crowden (AC joint), Taberner (ankle) replaced in the selected side by Blakely
UMPIRES Chamberlain, Meredith, Williamson
OFFICIAL CROWD 32,875
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
A sub-par opening term left Fremantle with too much
The Western Bulldogs soaked up the best of
work to do in a 46-point loss to Port Adelaide. Freo
Fremantle and then pounced when Fremantle were
had only one less scoring shot than their opponent to
hit by injuries to captain Nat Fyfe (shoulder), ruckman
continue a worrying trend of inaccuracy in the 2021
Sean Darcy (hamstring) and defender Brennan Cox
season. Power’s 12-4 advantage at the clearances in the
(hamstring) in the space of two minutes. Midfield pair
first quarter set the tone for the clash. The lead stretched out to 50
David Mundy (30 and eight clearances) and Andrew Brayshaw (27
points during the second term before Fremantle switched on with a six-
and six) were excellent, with Brayshaw's checkside goal on the run in
goal quarter, their first under senior coach Justin Longmuir. A brilliant
the first quarter a highlight of the match. Josh Treacy continued his
captain’s goal in the final term, Nat Fyfe’s second of the night, gave
emergence, booting three goals in an impressive display where he
Fremantle hope as the margin was cut to 21 points but that was as
led strongly and kicked with confidence.
close as Freo would get as Port Adelaide kicked the final three goals.
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 45
2021 AFL SeAson review
Round 13
Round 15
GOlD cOaST
cOllInGWOOD
SATURDAY 12 JUNE / 2.15pm / OPTUS STADIUM
SATURDAY 26 JUNE / 1.45pm / MARVEL STADIUM
FREMANTLE 2.2 | 3.4 | 9.7 | 11.10 (76)
FREMANTLE 3.3 | 7.5 | 10.6 | 14.7 (91)
GOLD COAST 1.3 | 1.8 | 5.9 | 6.13 (49)
COLLINGWOOD 2.2 | 4.4 | 7.6 | 12.7 (79)
KEY STATS
KEY STATS
GOALS Lobb, Mundy, Treacy 2 DISPOSALS Aish 31 MARKS Tucker 13 TACKLES Cerra, Darcy 6 BROWNLOW Darcy 3,
INJURIES Nil UMPIRES Margetts, Hosking, Rebeschini
Brayshaw 2, Mundy 1
Walker
OFFICIAL CROWD 27,318 DEBUT Joel Western, Brandon
GOALS Lobb, Schultz 3 DISPOSALS Mundy 28 MARKS Ryan 9 TACKLES Mundy 6 BROWNLOW Lobb 3, Mundy 2
INJURIES Fyfe (shoulder) replaced in selected side by Bewley, Taberner (calf)
UMPIRES Rebeschini, Gianfagna, Mollison
OFFICIAL CROWD 11,570
MILESTONE Reece Conca 150 AFL games
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
After a slow opening half, where Fremantle kicked
In a see-sawing affair at Marvel Stadium, two late
three goals to Gold Coast’s lone major, goals flowed
goals to last-minute inclusion Brett Bewley proved
for both sides after half time as Freo took control of
to be the difference, after nine majors were kicked
the contest. David Mundy stood tall in captain Nat
between the two teams in a frantic finish. It was an
Fyfe's absence, continuing his career-best form with
impressive performance from Fremantle, who grew
two goals and six clearances. James Aish also had plenty of the footy,
into the game nicely despite the late withdrawal of superstar skipper
racking up a game-high 31 touches. In his return from injury, Alex Pearce
Nat Fyfe (shoulder). The Pies didn't take full advantage of their early
reminded everyone of his significant ability as a key defender, keeping
dominance as Freo began to find space and use it well, with the
Ben King goalless for the first time in 12 games.
speed of Sam Switkowski, Liam Henry, Travis Colyer and Brandon Walker causing havoc. David Mundy (28 disposals, four clearances) and Andrew Brayshaw (24) were terrific in the middle of the ground, while Luke Ryan (nine marks) patrolled the backline.
46 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
Round 16
Round 17
carlTOn
HaWTHOrn
SATURDAY 3 JULY / 7.40pm / MCG
SATURDAY 10 JULY / 1.45pm / UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA STADIUM
FREMANTLE 0.4 | 4.8 | 8.15 | 8.16 (64)
FREMANTLE 5.5 | 8.7 | 11.12 | 16.12 (108)
CARLTON 4.2 | 7.2 | 10.3 | 12.8 (80)
HAWTHORN 2.0 | 4.5 | 5.7 | 6.10 (46)
KEY STATS GOALS Brayshaw 2 DISPOSALS Brayshaw 28 MARKS Ryan 9 TACKLES Brayshaw 5 BROWNLOW Darcy 3
KEY STATS INJURIES Nil UMPIRES O’Gorman, Williamson, Glouftsis
OFFICIAL CROWD 12,103
GOALS Lobb 4 DISPOSALS Brayshaw 32 MARKS Logue, Brayshaw, Darcy 9 TACKLES Treacy 6 BROWNLOW Mundy 3, Lobb 2,
INJURIES Nil UMPIRES Fisher, O’Gorman, Dore OFFICIAL CROWD 9,111 MILESTONE Nathan Fyfe 200 games
Cerra 1
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
Fremantle’s attempt to make the MCG their ‘home
A four-goal haul from Rory Lobb propelled Fremantle
away from home', after relocating due to Covid-19
to their first win in Tasmania since the infamous
restrictions, came up short in a rollercoaster clash with
Sirengate game in 2006, allowing Freo to sing the
Carlton. After the Blues kicked the opening five goals,
team song in the UTAS Stadium changerooms for
Freo’s young midfield took over in the second and third
the first time. Nat Fyfe was instrumental early in his
quarters to build a 37-18 clearance advantage and level the scores at
200th game with 13 disposals and four inside 50s in the first term.
the final change. Ruckman Sean Darcy was brilliant with 40 hit-outs,
Forward Bailey Banfield played his first game of the season after a
seven clearances and a goal to continue a breakout season. In the end
frustrating battle with injury, kicking three goals in an eye-catching
Freo were again made to pay for inaccuracy, kicking 8.16 in the 16-point
performance. Caleb Serong was released from tagging duties and
loss.
was among the best afield with 30 disposals, 10 clearances and eight inside 50s, using the ball with precision and creativity. The 62-point margin was the Club's biggest win against Hawthorn.
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 47
2021 AFL SeAson review
Round 18
Round 1 9
GeelOnG
SYDneY
THURSDAY 15 JULY / 6.10pm / OPTUS STADIUM
SUNDAY 25 JULY / 12.30pm / METRICON STADIUM
FREMANTLE 1.3 | 1.7 | 3.10 | 3.13 (31)
FREMANTLE 4.4 | 6.5 | 6.6 | 8.10 (58)
GEELONG 3.5 | 8.8 | 11.12 | 14.16 (100)
SYDNEY 3.3 | 6.8 | 11.11 | 14.14 (98)
KEY STATS GOALS Brayshaw, Colyer, Walters DISPOSALS Brayshaw 21 MARKS Tucker, Brayshaw 8 TACKLES Fyfe 5
KEY STATS INJURIES Lobb (ankle), Darcy (knee)
UMPIRES Chamberlain, Findlay, Gianfagna
GOALS Cerra, Taberner 2 DISPOSALS Brayshaw 34 MARKS Cerra 9 TACKLES Brayshaw 5
OFFICIAL CROWD 35,271
INJURIES Fyfe (shoulder), Walters (hamstring), Pearce (concussion), Treacy (illness) replaced in selected side by Crowden
UMPIRES Gavine, Nicholls, Howort OFFICIAL CROWD 2,875 MILESTONE David Mundy 350 games
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
Fremantle let a chance to cement their place in the top
Sydney spoiled Fremantle veteran David Mundy's
eight slip in a disappointing showing on a Thursday
350th game, coming from behind to win by 40
night at Optus Stadium. The final tally of 58-38 inside
points at Metricon Stadium. Eight straight goals from
50s flattered Freo, given the control and purpose with
midway through the second term set up the win after
which the Cats were able to enter, compared to the
Fremantle were the dominant team for the bulk of the
haphazard nature of Freo’s thrusts forward. When Freo did win the ball
opening half. Adam Cerra (two goals, 30 disposals) and Andrew
they were hesitant, lacking dare in the slippery conditions and kicking
Brayshaw (34 disposals) were Freo’s best with Matt Taberner
just one goal in the first half. The clash with Geelong was the Club's
also kicking two goals. Fremantle were decimated by injury in the
19th Annual Starlight Purple Haze game, proudly presented by South32
game, losing superstar skipper Nat Fyfe (shoulder) and gun forward
where the Club made special tribute to Starlight Star Milli Lucas, who
Michael Walters (hamstring).
passed away earlier in the year at the age of 14.
48 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
Round 20
Round 21
rIcHMOnD
BrISBane
SUNDAY 1 AUGUST / 3.10pm / OPTUS STADIUM
SUNDAY 8 AUGUST / 3.10pm / OPTUS STADIUM
FREMANTLE 2.6 | 2.10 | 5.12 | 7.13 (55)
FREMANTLE 2.1 | 3.3 | 6.3 | 8.6 (54)
RICHMOND 1.1 | 1.8 | 3.14 | 6.15 (51)
BRISBANE 6.4 | 10.6 | 14.8 | 18.10 (118)
KEY STATS
KEY STATS
GOALS Taberner 3 DISPOSALS Brayshaw 39 MARKS Cerra 8 TACKLES Brayshaw 12 BROWNLOW Brayshaw 3,
INJURIES Banfield (concussion) UMPIRES Margetts, Dalgleish, Brown
Cerra 2
games
OFFICIAL CROWD 24,979 MILESTONE Matt Taberner 100
GOALS Colyer 3 DISPOSALS Serong 30 MARKS Young 10 TACKLES Serong 5
INJURIES Wilson (hamstring) UMPIRES Haussen, Margetts, Brown
OFFICIAL CROWD 29,589
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
Fremantle effectively ended the finals chances of
Travis Colyer’s first of three goals opened the scoring
the back-to-back premiers while surging from 12th to
but Freo offered little more through the first two
eighth on the ladder in a thrilling four-point win. Andrew
quarters, as the Lions took control to hold a 45-point
Brayshaw was the hero with a career-high 39 disposals
lead at half-time. Freo’s only period on top came briefly
and 12 tackles, including two crucial clearances deep
in the third quarter when Josh Treacy and Lloyd Meek
in defence in the final 20 seconds, as Freo held off repeated surges
took advantage of mismatches to kick back-to-back goals and
forward from the Tigers. Richmond held a nine-point lead 10 minutes
cut the margin to 33 points. Young midfielders Caleb Serong (30
into the final term but Lachie Schultz took a brilliant pack mark and
disposals and five clearances), Andrew Brayshaw (25 and four) and
converted his set shot to cut the margin to three, before Caleb Serong
Adam Cerra (24 and 10 inside 50s) battled hard, while Hayden Young
snapped the go-ahead goal with 11 minutes to play.
(17 and seven rebound 50s) was excellent for periods. Brisbane outtackled Freo 71-35 and were a class above with their ball use, with their pressure allowing the game to open up for them.
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 49
2021 SeaSOn revIeW
Round 22
Round 23
WeST cOaST
ST kIlDa
SUNDAY 15 AUGUST / 3.10pm / OPTUS STADIUM
SUNDAY 22 AUGUST / 10.15Am / BLUNDSTONE ARENA
FREMANTLE 8.2 | 10.2 | 11.2 | 12.7 (79)
FREMANTLE 1.4 | 3.5 | 4.8 | 6.13 (49)
WEST COAST 3.2 | 4.7 | 7.9 | 9.10 (64)
ST KILDA 3.0 | 6.2 | 10.5 | 17.5 (107)
KEY STATS
KEY STATS
INJURIES Cerra (corked thigh)
GOALS Taberner 3 DISPOSALS Serong 31 MARKS Young 11 TACKLES Mundy 6BROWNLOW Serong 3,
INJURIES Blakely (hamstring) UMPIRES Margetts, Dalgleish,
GOALS Banfield, Crowden,
replaced in the selected side by Acres,
Henry, Switkowski, Taberner,
Switkowski (hip), Darcy (leg)
Brown
Treacy
UMPIRES Foot, Williamson,
OFFICIAL CROWD 51,692 MILESTONE David Mundy 353
Gianfagna
Mundy 2, Ryan 1
games (equal Club record)
DISPOSALS Serong 35 MARKS Logue, Ryan, Serong 7 TACKLES Young 8
OFFICIAL CROWD 3,082 MILESTONE David Mundy 354 games (Club record), Blake Acres 100 AFL games
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
Fremantle drew a line in the sand and ended a six-year
A bruised and battered Fremantle were unable to
RAC Derby drought in a thrilling clash that had finals
muster a fight with their finals hopes on the line,
implications for both sides. Freo built a game-high
losing Adam Cerra pre-game and Sean Darcy and Sam
40-point break early in the second quarter on the back
Switkowski throughout the clash. In a common theme
of ferocious pressure and an attacking mindset, and
to many of their losses in 2021, Freo were in control of
then held on during an extended Eagles' fightback in the second half.
general play early, leading the forward entries 12-5 halfway through
Defender Luke Ryan was a brick wall with 26 disposals, 10 marks and
the first term but kicking 1.4. Freo also lost the tackle count 54 to 69,
11 rebound 50s, while David Mundy (28, seven clearances and a goal)
highlighting another focus for the summer. Fremantle were again
continued a great season in his record-equalling game. Glendinning-
best served by young gun Caleb Serong (35 and nine clearances),
Allan Medallist Caleb Serong (32 disposals, six clearances and two
whose end to the season cemented his status as a future star. The
goals) was brilliant in a hard-nosed and skilful performance that
clash was relocated from Marvel Stadium to Hobart’s Blundstone
inspired his team early. He then delivered an unbelievable snap late in
Arena for what was Freo’s first appearance at the ground.
the game that sealed the win and was awarded the 2021 AFL Goal of the Year.
RYAN NO. 1 IN
KICKS MARKS REBOUND 50s
TACKLES
INSIDE 50s
INTERCEPT MARKS
1.
Andrew Brayshaw
93
1.
David Mundy
97
1.
Luke Ryan
42
2.
David Mundy
87
2.
Caleb Serong
91
2.
Sean Darcy
31
3.
Caleb Serong
72
3.
Adam Cerra
90
2.
Griffin Logue
31
4.
Sean Darcy
64
4.
Andrew Brayshaw
80
3.
Brennan Cox
21
5.
Nathan Fyfe
61
5.
James Aish
65
4.
Hayden Young
19
METRES GAINED INTERCEPT MARKS
DISPOSALS
CONT. POSSESSIONS
CLEARANCES
METRES GAINED
1.
Andrew Brayshaw
568
1.
David Mundy
244
1.
David Mundy
117
1.
Luke Ryan
9881
2.
David Mundy
553
2.
Sean Darcy
230
2.
Caleb Serong
106
2.
Nathan Wilson
7855
3.
Caleb Serong
503
3.
Caleb Serong
204
3.
Sean Darcy
98
3.
Caleb Serong
7627
4.
Adam Cerra
415
4.
Nathan Fyfe
201
4.
Nathan Fyfe
86
4.
James Aish
7545
5.
Luke Ryan
414
5.
Andrew Brayshaw
180
5.
Andrew Brayshaw
73
5.
Adam Cerra
7320
KICKS
GOALS
SPOILS
AFL FANTASY POINTS
1.
Luke Ryan
332
1.
Matt Taberner
37
1.
Brennan Cox
103
1.
Andrew Brayshaw
2085
2.
Caleb Serong
279
2.
Lachie Schultz
22
2.
Griffin Logue
78
2.
Sean Darcy
1971
3.
Andrew Brayshaw
265
3.
Rory Lobb
20
3.
Luke Ryan
58
3.
David Mundy
1958
4.
Adam Cerra
250
4.
Travis Colyer
15
4.
Alex Pearce
50
4.
Caleb Serong
1810
5.
David Mundy
248
4.
David Mundy
15
5.
Nathan Wilson
49
5.
Luke Ryan
1661
MARKS
SCORE INVOLVEMENTS
REBOUND 50s
HIT-OUTS
1.
Luke Ryan
136
1.
David Mundy
143
1.
Luke Ryan
151
1.
Sean Darcy
599
2.
Andrew Brayshaw
101
2.
Sean Darcy
126
2.
Nathan Wilson
104
2.
Lloyd Meek
129
3.
Adam Cerra
93
3.
Andrew Brayshaw
118
3.
James Aish
55
3.
Rory Lobb
54
4.
James Aish
92
4.
Caleb Serong
116
4.
Andrew Brayshaw
48
5.
Sean Darcy
90
5.
Nathan Fyfe
114
5.
Griffin Logue
38
AFL Player
PERSONS NAME
pRofiles
afl player profiles
1
2
3
Sam Sturt
Griffin lOgue
Caleb SerOng
DATE OF BIRTH 12/05/2000
DATE OF BIRTH 13/04/1998
DATE OF BIRTH 09/02/2001
2021 GAMES 1
2021 GAMES 16
2021 GAMES 22
CAREER GAMES 4
CAREER GAMES 44
CAREER GAMES 36
2021 GOALS 1
2021 GOALS 0
2021 GOALS 8
CAREER GOALS 5
CAREER GOALS 1
CAREER GOALS 10
DISPOSALS PER GAME 5
DISPOSALS PER GAME 11.5
DISPOSALS PER GAME 22.9
MARKS PER GAME 2
MARKS PER GAME 4.8
MARKS PER GAME 2.9
TACKLES PER GAME 0
TACKLES PER GAME 1.4
TACKLES PER GAME 3.3
INSIDE 50s PER GAME 2
INTERCEPT MARKS PER GAME 1.9
CONT. POSSESSIONS PER GAME 9.3
MARKS INSIDE 50 PER GAME 1
REBOUND 50s PER GAME 2.4
CLEARANCES PER GAME 4.8
SCORE INVOLVEMENTS PER GAME 3
SPOILS PER GAME 4.9
INSIDE 50s PER GAME 4.1
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 26
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 48.4
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 82.3
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
The promising forward had another season
Logue cemented himself as one of Fremantle’s
While Serong was often used as a tagger
cut short by injury, playing only one game at
emerging key backs in 2021. After making his
in 2021, he was dominant when let off the
AFL level, kicking a goal in round four against
return from injury with an impressive defensive
leash, amassing 30 or more disposals on five
Hawthorn. Sturt excelled in his three WAFL
effort on Adelaide’s Tex Walker in round five, he
occasions. The 20-year-old was arguably
appearances early in the year, kicking five goals
played all but one game which he missed due
Fremantle’s best in the final three rounds of the
against East Fremantle, two against South
to concussion. While the 23-year-old would
season, with 30 disposals against Brisbane, 31
Fremantle and four against West Coast’s WAFL
have been disappointed to see opponent Lance
disposals and two goals against West Coast,
team.
Franklin kick six goals on him in round 10, Logue
and 35 disposals and nine clearances against
was vital on the day and won many one-on-
St Kilda. He added four important honours to
one battles against the star Swan, putting
his name in 2021, including the Glendinning-
up season-high disposal (19) and contested
Allan Medal in the round 22 RAC Derby, the
possession (11) numbers.
AFL Coaches Association Best Young Player, Fremantle’s Best Clubman and the 2021 AFL Goal of the Year for his remarkable snap against West Coast.
54 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
4
5
6
Sean Darcy
Adam cerra
Reece cOnca
DATE OF BIRTH 12/06/1998
DATE OF BIRTH 07/10/1999
DATE OF BIRTH 12/08/1992
2021 GAMES 21
2021 GAMES 18
2021 GAMES 10
CAREER GAMES 62
CAREER GAMES 76
CAREER GAMES 150
2021 GOALS 12
2021 GOALS 5
2021 GOALS 0
CAREER GOALS 24
CAREER GOALS 16
CAREER GOALS 25
DISPOSALS PER GAME 16.6
DISPOSALS PER GAME 23.1
DISPOSALS PER GAME 13.5
MARKS PER GAME 4.3
MARKS PER GAME 5.2
MARKS PER GAME 3.5
TACKLES PER GAME 3
TACKLES PER GAME 2.6
TACKLES PER GAME 1.8
CONT. POSSESSIONS PER GAME 11
CONT. POSSESSIONS PER GAME 8
INTERCEPT MARKS PER GAME 0.9
HITOUTS PER GAME 28.5
CLEARANCES PER GAME 3.6
REBOUND 50s PER GAME 2.6
CLEARANCES PER GAME 4.7
INSIDE 50s PER GAME 5
SPOILS PER GAME 1.6
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 93.9
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 87.3
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 49
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
At just 23 years of age, Darcy took his game
Adam Cerra backed up his third-place finish
The defender played 10 AFL and 10 WAFL
to a new level, not only dominating in the ruck
in the 2020 Doig Medal with a 5th place
games in 2021, featuring in the opening nine
contest but in his follow-up work, averaging
finish in 2021 as he continued his impressive
games of the season before returning for his
4.7 clearances and 11 contested possessions
development. The 21-year-old was valuable
150th AFL game in round 13 against Gold Coast.
per game. Against Carlton in round 16, Darcy
on the inside and outside as a midfielder as
He shone as a lock-down defender early in
had 40 hitouts with 23 to advantage and
he continued to impress with his skills by foot.
the year, conceding only one goal to direct
his 193 ranking points was the second-best
At the end of the season he requested a trade
opponents between rounds 3-6. The Suns
individual performance of the season at the
back to his home state of Victoria, with his trade
game would be his last for Fremantle with the
time. According to the AFL’s Player Rankings,
to Carlton securing Fremantle pick six at the
28-year-old delisted at the end of the season.
Darcy was the fourth-most improved player in
2021 NAB AFL Draft and a future third round
the league in 2021, rising from 275th to 28th
selection.
on the way to earning selection in the 40-man All Australian squad. He was rewarded for his fantastic year by being named the 2021 Doig Medallist.
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 55
afl player profiles
7
8
9
Nathan fyfe
Andrew brayshAw
Blake acres
DATE OF BIRTH 18/09/1991
DATE OF BIRTH 08/11/1999
DATE OF BIRTH 07/10/1995
2021 GAMES 15
2021 GAMES 20
2021 GAMES 18
CAREER GAMES 202
CAREER GAMES 76
CAREER GAMES 100
2021 GOALS 6
2021 GOALS 8
2021 GOALS 2
CAREER GOALS 164
CAREER GOALS 20
CAREER GOALS 31
DISPOSALS PER GAME 24.1
DISPOSALS PER GAME 28.4
DISPOSALS PER GAME 17.9
MARKS PER GAME 3.9
MARKS PER GAME 5.1
MARKS PER GAME 3.7
TACKLES PER GAME 4.1
TACKLES PER GAME 4.7
TACKLES PER GAME 2.5
CONT. POSSESSIONS PER GAME 13.4
CONT. POSSESSIONS PER GAME 9
CONT. POSSESSIONS PER GAME 5.9
CLEARANCES PER GAME 5.7
CLEARANCES PER GAME 3.7
CLEARANCES PER GAME 1.6
INSIDE 50s PER GAME 3.2
INSIDE 50s PER GAME 4
INSIDE 50s PER GAME 3.2
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 84.1
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 104.3
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 66.1
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
The Fremantle captain played a mix of midfield
With more midfield time in 2021, the 21-year-
The 25-year-old played 18 games in 2021,
and forward roles in 2021 and continued to
old was one of Fremantle’s most consistent
highlighted with his 27 disposals and four
deliver elite performances, highlighted by
performers. After averaging 15.9, 16.9 and 19.9
tackles in Freo’s win against Gold Coast. Acres
his 31 disposals in his 200th game against
disposals in his first three seasons, Brayshaw
mostly featured on the wing and also stepped
Hawthorn and 13 clearances in Freo’s two-point
averaged 28.4 touches per game in 2021,
up as a back-up ruckman on occasions,
win against Sydney. Fyfe averaged just under
three disposals more per game than any other
attending 59 ruck contests. Fittingly, Acres
two scoring shots per game but was clearly
Fremantle player. He also ranked no.1 for
reached the 100-game milestone against his
frustrated with his inaccuracy, kicking just six
tackles and second for marks. His 39 disposals
former team in round 23, as a late inclusion
majors for the year. The 30-year-old bravely
and 12 tackles against Richmond in round 20
against St Kilda.
played out the second half of the season with a
highlighted his efforts, willing Fremantle over
dislocated shoulder injury sustained in round 12,
the line late in the clash with two clearances
but when he re-injured the shoulder in round 19,
in the final minute. Brayshaw was named
he underwent season-ending surgery.
vice-captain of the AFLPA 22under22 team at season’s end.
56 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
10
11
12
Michael walters
James aish
Mitch crOwDen
DATE OF BIRTH 07/01/1991
DATE OF BIRTH 08/11/1995
DATE OF BIRTH 28/04/1999
2021 GAMES 16
2021 GAMES 22
2021 GAMES 16
CAREER GAMES 181
CAREER GAMES 120
CAREER GAMES 40
2021 GOALS 14
2021 GOALS 1
2021 GOALS 5
CAREER GOALS 290
CAREER GOALS 24
CAREER GOALS 15
DISPOSALS PER GAME 13.9
DISPOSALS PER GAME 18.8
DISPOSALS PER GAME 10.4
MARKS PER GAME 3.9
MARKS PER GAME 4.2
MARKS PER GAME 2.1
TACKLES PER GAME 2.1
TACKLES PER GAME 2.2
TACKLES PER GAME 1.8
INSIDE 50s PER GAME 2
CONT. POSSESSIONS PER GAME 5.1
INSIDE 50s PER GAME 2.1
MARKS INSIDE 50 PER GAME 0.8
CLEARANCES PER GAME 1.6
MARKS INSIDE 50 PER GAME 0.4
SCORE INVOLVEMENTS PER GAME 4.8
INSIDE 50s PER GAME 3
SCORE INVOLVEMENTS PER GAME 2.9
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 61.8
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 69.3
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 40.9
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
An injury-interrupted pre-season saw Walters
The 25-year-old played mostly at half-back as
After missing the first four games, the 22-year-
miss the opening two games, returning in round
a reliable defender through his 22 appearances.
old played a career-high 16 games in 2021
three against Carlton where he kicked two
He started on the wing in round 13 against Gold
mostly at half forward. Crowden was especially
goals. The Fremantle leader kicked at least
Coast, resulting in a career-high 31 disposals
valuable late in the season. His tenacity in a
one goal in 13 of his 16 appearances playing
that led every player on the ground alongside
frantic final term in the round 22 RAC Derby
mostly as a forward with occasional stints in the
Gold Coast’s Touk Miller. His versatility and
helped Freo hold on against the surging Eagles,
midfield. After playing some of his best footy of
reliability made him a useful member of the
while his career-high 21 disposals against St
the season against Hawthorn and Geelong in
line-up each week for Justin Longmuir, with Aish
Kilda came in a clash where Freo struggled for
rounds 17 and 18, Walters injured his hamstring
just one of four Freo players to play every game
big contributors. Crowden was delisted at the
in the third quarter against the Swans, which
in 2021.
end of the season with the Club committing to
ended his season.
re-draft the forward in the 2021 Rookie Draft.
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 57
afl player profiles
13
14
15
Luke ryan
Nathan wilsOn
Ethan hughes
DATE OF BIRTH 06/02/1996
DATE OF BIRTH 07/01/1993
DATE OF BIRTH 07/12/1994
2021 GAMES 19
2021 GAMES 18
2021 GAMES 8
CAREER GAMES 85
CAREER GAMES 149
CAREER GAMES 75
2021 GOALS 0
2021 GOALS 0
2021 GOALS 0
CAREER GOALS 3
CAREER GOALS 18
CAREER GOALS 4
DISPOSALS PER GAME 21.8
DISPOSALS PER GAME 16.9
DISPOSALS PER GAME 17.4
MARKS PER GAME 7.2
MARKS PER GAME 4.1
MARKS PER GAME 3.6
TACKLES PER GAME 1.8
TACKLES PER GAME 1
TACKLES PER GAME 1.5
INTERCEPT MARKS PER GAME 2.2
INTERCEPT MARKS PER GAME 0.6
INTERCEPT MARKS PER GAME 0.4
REBOUND 50s PER GAME 7.9
REBOUND 50s PER GAME 5.8
REBOUND 50s PER GAME 2.3
SPOILS PER GAME 3.1
SPOILS PER GAME 2.7
SPOILS PER GAME 2.5
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 87.4
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 61.8
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 60
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
The star defender played a number of roles as
The defender played 18 games in 2021,
The reliable defender played the first seven
either a key defender, intercepting defender
averaging 17 disposals and six rebound 50s. He
games of the season before he was hit with a
or rebounding half back as the go-to player to
ranked second for metres gained at Fremantle
shoulder injury in the round seven RAC Derby.
fill positions whenever his teammates missed
behind Luke Ryan, and shared the kick-in duties,
Hughes made his return to football nine weeks
games through injury. At times, Ryan was single-
with Wilson taking 30 per cent of Freo’s kick ins
later via the WAFL, playing three games for Peel
handedly able to keep opposition advances at
for the year. He missed the final two games of
Thunder and making one more AFL appearance
bay with his refusal to surrender marks in the
the season due to a hamstring injury, leaving
against Geelong in round 18. The 26-year-old
defensive 50. His average of 7.2 marks per game
him on 149 career games, with a milestone
shone in Freo’s round six win against North
was the highest by a Fremantle player since
game beckoning in 2022 after signing a one-
Melbourne with 27 disposals, his second-
Luke McPharlin in 2013. He had 10 marks on five
year deal.
highest disposal total in his career.
occasions, with Fremantle winning four of those games against GWS, Adelaide, Gold Coast and West Coast.
58 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
16 David MunDy DATE OF BIRTH 20/07/1985 2021 GAMES 22 CAREER GAMES 354 2021 GOALS 15 CAREER GOALS 156
DISPOSALS PER GAME 25.1 MARKS PER GAME 3.1 TACKLES PER GAME 4 CONT. POSSESSIONS PER GAME 11.1 CLEARANCES PER GAME 5.3 INSIDE 50s PER GAME 4.4 AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 89
SUMMARY Even with the lofty expectations that come with being a player of David Mundy’s calibre, his 2021 season still greatly exceeded what anyone would expect from a 36-year-old. Mundy played every game with an average of 25.1 disposals per game and it was only the second time in his career that he exceeded a 25-disposal average in a season. He also had an important scoreboard impact in 2021, with his 15 goals the equal-second most in his career. For Fremantle, Mundy ranked first for inside 50s, clearances and contested possessions, second for disposals and tackles, and fourth for goals. He finished 12th in the voting for the AFL Coaches Champion Player of the Year award with the most votes and was named in the All Australian squad alongside Sean Darcy. He also polled a Club-high 20 votes at the Brownlow Medal, finishing equal eleventh in the count and was runner-up in the Doig Medal Fremantle celebrated Mundy’s career in the final rounds of the season, where he played his 350th game in round 19, equalled Matthew Pavlich’s 353-game record in round 22 against West Coast, and set his own record in round 23 against St Kilda by playing his 354th game.
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 59
afl player profiles
17
18
19
Brett bewley
Darcy tucker
Connor blakely
DATE OF BIRTH 14/04/1995
DATE OF BIRTH 23/01/1997
DATE OF BIRTH 02/03/1996
2021 GAMES 6
2021 GAMES 16
2021 GAMES 13
CAREER GAMES 25
CAREER GAMES 94
CAREER GAMES 78
2021 GOALS 2
2021 GOALS 0
2021 GOALS 1
CAREER GOALS 8
CAREER GOALS 3.3
CAREER GOALS 3
DISPOSALS PER GAME 12.5
DISPOSALS PER GAME 17
DISPOSALS PER GAME 8.9
MARKS PER GAME 2.7
MARKS PER GAME 4
MARKS PER GAME 2.3
TACKLES PER GAME 2
TACKLES PER GAME 1.8
TACKLES PER GAME 0.8
INSIDE 50s PER GAME 0.8
CONT. POSSESSIONS PER GAME 3.9
CONT. POSSESSIONS PER GAME 3.5
MARKS INSIDE 50 PER GAME 0.2
CLEARANCES PER GAME 0.8
CLEARANCES PER GAME 1
SCORE INVOLVEMENTS PER GAME 3
INSIDE 50s PER GAME 1.8
INSIDE 50s PER GAME 1.2
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 49.5
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 61.3
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 32.1
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
The forward / midfielder played six games in
It was a frustrating start to the season for
Blakely’s averages took a hit in 2021 as he
2021, coming on twice as a medical sub in Freo’s
Tucker, missing the opening six rounds after
played a selfless team role, coming on as a
clashes against Brisbane and West Coast. He
injuring his hamstring in a pre-season game
medical sub seven times against GWS, North
was also a late inclusion for Nat Fyfe against
for Peel. Fremantle’s midfield depth saw the
Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney (twice), Port
Collingwood, taking his opportunities with two
24-year-old spend most of his time at half back
Adelaide and Richmond. Blakely’s versatility
fourth quarter goals to help get Freo over the
on his return, with occasional stints on the wing.
made him an asset in the unpredictable role,
line. Drafted in 2018 with pick no.59, Bewley
Tucker helped will Fremantle over the line in
with the 25-year-old able to move into roles all
was delisted at the end of the 2021 season after
the RAC Derby, amassing 11 disposals and two
over the ground. He broke into the starting 22
playing 25 games between 2019 and 2021.
clearances in the final term to help Freo hold on
late in the season but unfortunately injured his
against a surging West Coast.
hamstring in the RAC Derby, which ended his season. Blakely was delisted at the end of the season with the Club committing to re-draft the forward in the 2021 Rookie Draft.
60 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
20
21
22
Mattjew taberner
Joel haMling
Lloyd Meek
DATE OF BIRTH 17/06/1993
DATE OF BIRTH 09/04/1993
DATE OF BIRTH 22/04/1998
2021 GAMES 16
2021 GAMES 1
2021 GAMES 9
CAREER GAMES 103
CAREER GAMES 86
CAREER GAMES 9
2021 GOALS 37
2021 GOALS 0
2021 GOALS 1
CAREER GOALS 141
CAREER GOALS 0
CAREER GOALS 1
DISPOSALS PER GAME 11.1
DISPOSALS PER GAME 10
DISPOSALS PER GAME 8.8
MARKS PER GAME 5.6
MARKS PER GAME 0
MARKS PER GAME 1.3
TACKLES PER GAME 0.6
TACKLES PER GAME 1
TACKLES PER GAME 1.6
INSIDE 50s PER GAME 1.8
INTERCEPT MARKS PER GAME 0
CONT. POSSESSIONS PER GAME 6.8
MARKS INSIDE 50 PER GAME 2.8
REBOUND 50s PER GAME 1
HITOUTS PER GAME 14.3
SCORE INVOLVEMENTS PER GAME 5.6
SPOILS PER GAME 7
CLEARANCES PER GAME 2.3
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 62.5
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 32
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 41.4
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
The key forward started his 2021 season where
The defender endured another tough season,
Drafted at no.69 in the 2017 National Draft,
he left off in 2020, kicking multiple goals
reinjuring his ankle in round one against
the ruckman broke through for his debut game
in every game of the opening nine rounds.
Melbourne. Hamling had shown promising signs
in round one of his fourth year at Fremantle.
Taberner’s streak ended in round 10 against
with a chance of returning late in the season
Meek’s debut season saw him play nine games,
Sydney when he was subbed off with one
however it was decided he would undergo
averaging just over 14 hit-outs per game. The
goal to his name due to an ankle injury. He
another round of surgery to give him the best
23-year-old worked well in tandem with fellow
would only play once in the next eight games
chance of being fit and available in 2022.
ruck Sean Darcy, allowing Darcy to shift forward
but returned for the final five games of the
at times throughout the season. Meek was also
year, kicking three goals in Freo’s wins against
a strong contributor for Peel, playing 10 games
Richmond and West Coast.
and consistently winning the ruck battle against his WAFL opponents.
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 61
afl player profiles
23
24
25
Liam henry
Leno thOMas
Alex pearce
DATE OF BIRTH 28/08/2001
DATE OF BIRTH 27/05/2001
DATE OF BIRTH 09/06/1995
2021 GAMES 17
2021 GAMES 0
2021 GAMES 10
CAREER GAMES 20
CAREER GAMES 0
CAREER GAMES 63
2021 GOALS 10
2021 GOALS 0
2021 GOALS 0
CAREER GOALS 11
CAREER GOALS 0
CAREER GOALS 3
DISPOSALS PER GAME 9
DISPOSALS PER GAME 9.6
MARKS PER GAME 2.2
MARKS PER GAME 2.7
TACKLES PER GAME 1.1
TACKLES PER GAME 1
INSIDE 50s PER GAME 1.8
INTERCEPT MARKS PER GAME 1.3
MARKS INSIDE 50 PER GAME 0.6
REBOUND 50s PER GAME 2.5
SCORE INVOLVEMENTS PER GAME 3.6
SPOILS PER GAME 5
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 38.1
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 36.8
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
The small forward had plenty of exciting
After two years at Fremantle, the Category
After 658 days out due to an ankle injury, there
moments in his second AFL season, playing 17
B rookie was unable to break through for an
was only heartbreak for Alex Pearce in his
games and kicking 10 goals. In Sir Doug Nicholls
AFL berth, requesting to be released from his
round one return when he sustained a knee
Round against the Western Bulldogs, Henry
contract before the end of the season.
injury against Melbourne. To the leader’s credit,
earned a goal of the year nomination by first
he rebounded again and returned against
spoiling a Hayden Crozier mark attempt and
Gold Coast in round 13 to keep opponent Ben
then controlling the ball with two soccer kicks
King goalless for the first time in 2021. Pearce
and a clean gather off the deck to put a skilful
played nine of the final 10 games of the season,
snap through the big sticks.
missing only round 20 against Richmond due to concussion.
62 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
26
27
28
Hayden yOung
Heath chapMAn
Lachlan Schultz
DATE OF BIRTH 11/04/2001
DATE OF BIRTH 31/01/2002
DATE OF BIRTH 30/11/1997
2021 GAMES 8
2021 GAMES 6
2021 GAMES 20
CAREER GAMES 13
CAREER GAMES 6
CAREER GAMES 44
2021 GOALS 0
2021 GOALS 1
2021 GOALS 22
CAREER GOALS 0
CAREER GOALS 1
CAREER GOALS 38
DISPOSALS PER GAME 15.9
DISPOSALS PER GAME 14.2
DISPOSALS PER GAME 11
MARKS PER GAME 5.6
MARKS PER GAME 4.5
MARKS PER GAME 4
TACKLES PER GAME 2.4
TACKLES PER GAME 1.7
TACKLES PER GAME 2.7
INTERCEPT MARKS PER GAME 2.4
INTERCEPT MARKS PER GAME 0.8
INSIDE 50s PER GAME 2.1
REBOUND 50s PER GAME 3.5
REBOUND 50s PER GAME 2.7
MARKS INSIDE 50 PER GAME 1.2
SPOILS PER GAME 2
SPOILS PER GAME 2.5
SCORE INVOLVEMENTS PER GAME 4.5
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 68.5
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 55.3
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 58
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
Young was among Fremantle’s best in round
After an outstanding pre-season and start to
The exciting small forward kicked 22 goals
one against Melbourne with Freo’s defence
his Fremantle career, the no.14 pick looked to
from 20 games in 2021, the second most for
under siege when Joel Hamling and Alex Pearce
be one of the steals of the draft. Chapman
Fremantle. He kicked multiple goals on seven
came off injured. Unfortunately, a significant
debuted in round two and shone in six games
occasions against GWS (3), Adelaide (2),
hamstring injury in round three against Carlton
at AFL level, showing incredible courage to play
North Melbourne (4), Sydney (2), Collingwood
saw him sidelined until round 19. He was one of
through a shoulder injury in the first RAC Derby
(3), Richmond (2) and West Coast (2), with
Fremantle’s most promising players to round
that eventually ended his season. Often calm
Fremantle winning all of those games. He was
out the year, highlighted by his 23 disposals in
under pressure, Chapman showed off his talent
dominant early in the season against the Giants,
a thrilling win against Richmond in round 20.
to intercept the footy while having clean ball
kicking 3.2 to go with a career-high 20 disposals
He was rewarded for his perseverance with the
use. His 18 disposals and goal against Hawthorn
and six tackles. His hard work on and off the field
Beacon Award as Fremantle’s best young player.
highlighted his season, where he had seven
was rewarded by being voted by his teammates
intercept possessions, four marks and ran at 83
as the winner of the 2021 Players’ Trademark
per cent disposal efficiency.
Award. The no.57 pick from 2017 showed his commitment to Freo, signing a two-year contract extension at the end of the season.
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 63
afl player profiles
29
30
31
Luke valente
Nathan Brandon O’DriscOll walker
DATE OF BIRTH 08/05/2000
DATE OF BIRTH 17/05/2002
DATE OF BIRTH 17/10/2002
2021 GAMES 0
2021 GAMES 0
2021 GAMES 10
CAREER GAMES 0
CAREER GAMES 0
CAREER GAMES 10
2021 GOALS 0
2021 GOALS 0
2021 GOALS 0
CAREER GOALS 0
CAREER GOALS 0
CAREER GOALS 0 DISPOSALS PER GAME 10.4 MARKS PER GAME 3.6 TACKLES PER GAME 1.7 INTERCEPT MARKS PER GAME 0.6 REBOUND 50s PER GAME 1.1 SPOILS PER GAME 1.6 AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 44.8
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
The emerging midfielder played nine
O’Driscoll was the only draftee from the 2020
After breaking into the Fremantle line-up
games at WAFL level with some impressive
class not to earn a debut in his first season. The
mid-season against Gold Coast, the speedy
performances, highlighted by his 20 disposals
19-year-old did enough to show he was ready
defender played every game for the rest of his
and three goals against East Fremantle and
to make the step up but was mostly kept out
debut season. Walker, an NGA product, who
26 disposals and six marks against Claremont.
of the line-up late in the season due to Freo’s
was drafted at no.50 in the 2020 National Draft,
Valente has endured a frustrating run since
midfield depth. He had 14 appearances Peel in
used his pace well to create time and space and
being drafted in 2018, missing most of 2019 due
the WAFL, highlighted by his 26 disposals and
was often composed with football in hand.
to injury and then having his football limited in
10 marks against East Perth and 17 disposals
2020 due to Covid interruptions. He took some
and seven tackles against Subiaco.
time away from the Club in 2021 for personal reasons.
64 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
32
Stephen hill
DATE OF BIRTH 01/05/1990 2021 GAMES 0 CAREER GAMES 218 2021 GOALS 0 CAREER GOALS 112
SUMMARY Unfortunately the Fremantle legend was unable to add to his 218 games as he continued his battle with soft tissue injury. His presence was more than felt in the round 22 RAC Derby, where Fremantle fans were given a chance to farewell one of their favourite sons. As well as being present in the pregame huddle, Hill was pulled in to sing the team song one final time after the win. While injury plagued Hill’s final years in the AFL, the winger will most fondly be remembered for his class with ball in hand, evasive speed and elite kick. He was at the forefront of what is arguably Freo’s greatest win with a sprint down the wing at Kardinia Park to slot a goal on the run to seal a home preliminary final in 2013. Countless praise for Hill flowed from teammates and those involved in his career, where he was credited for his selfless defensive work. Executive general manager of football Peter Bell summed up this sentiment when Hill announced his retirement to the playing group. “Those who were lucky enough to play with him will remember him for how hard he was in the contest, how consistently he performed under the greatest blowtorch you could be put under as a player in the biggest games,” Bell said. “He would cover for his teammates all the time and he would run as hard defensively as he would offensively. I think there’s very few players who can genuinely say that was the kind of player they were. “Stephen, the Club is indebted to you for your contribution over a long time. Footy is not always fair, that’s the reality and we wish it could have gone on longer. “We’re immensely thankful for what you’ve done, it’s great that you’re a part of our Next Generation Academy and I think your legacy will live on with the young talent coming through the Stephen Hill Squad.”
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 65
afl player profiles
33
34
35
Travis cOlyer
Joel western
Josh treacy
DATE OF BIRTH 24/08/1991
DATE OF BIRTH 12/10/2002
DATE OF BIRTH 04/08/2002
2021 GAMES 22
2021 GAMES 4
2021 GAMES 15
CAREER GAMES 128
CAREER GAMES 4
CAREER GAMES 15
2021 GOALS 15
2021 GOALS 0
2021 GOALS 13
CAREER GOALS 77
CAREER GOALS 0
CAREER GOALS 13
DISPOSALS PER GAME 12.6
DISPOSALS PER GAME 6.3
DISPOSALS PER GAME 7.7
MARKS PER GAME 3.4
MARKS PER GAME 1.3
MARKS PER GAME 3.4
TACKLES PER GAME 2
TACKLES PER GAME 1.5
TACKLES PER GAME 2.1
INSIDE 50s PER GAME 2.9
INSIDE 50s PER GAME 1
INSIDE 50s PER GAME 1.3
MARKS INSIDE 50 PER GAME 0.4
MARKS INSIDE 50 PER GAME 0.3
MARKS INSIDE 50 PER GAME 1.2
SCORE INVOLVEMENTS PER GAME 4.5
SCORE INVOLVEMENTS PER GAME 1.5
SCORE INVOLVEMENTS PER GAME 3.1
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 56.4
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 25.3
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 42.7
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
After joining the Club from Essendon, Colyer’s
Selected at no.54 in the 2020 National Draft,
The key forward proved to be a shrewd pickup
third season at Fremantle was one of his best,
the NGA product broke into Fremantle’s starting
in the 2020 Rookie Draft, playing 15 games
playing every game of the home and away
22 for a debut in round 13 against Gold Coast.
and kicking 13 goals in 2021. He opened his
season for the first time in his career and
Western had four appearances in his debut
account in style at Optus Stadium against
kicking 15 goals. As well as a career-high goal
season, including being subbed on in round 23
Sydney, with a goal on the run outside 50 for
tally, Colyer ranked first at Fremantle for goal
against St Kilda. The 18-year-old also played 12
his first AFL goal to put Fremantle ahead late
assists and second for tackles inside 50. The
games at WAFL level for Peel, highlighted by his
in the game. He also had strong performances
128-game player was Fremantle’s second most
three goals and 21 disposals against Claremont.
against the Western Bulldogs (three goals) and
experienced player for the final two games
Hawthorn (two goals, six tackles). As well as
of the season behind David Mundy. He was
having a scoreboard impact, Treacy’s attack
rewarded with a one-year deal for the 2022
and pressure helped create numerous scoring
season.
opportunities for his teammates, leading Fremantle for tackles inside 50.
66 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
36
37
38
Brennan cOx
Rory lObb
Tobe watsOn
DATE OF BIRTH 13/08/1998
DATE OF BIRTH 09/02/1993
DATE OF BIRTH 03/12/1997
2021 GAMES 12
2021 GAMES 13
2021 GAMES 11
CAREER GAMES 59
CAREER GAMES 119
CAREER GAMES 14
2021 GOALS 0
2021 GOALS 20
2021 GOALS 1
CAREER GOALS 27
CAREER GOALS 107
CAREER GOALS 1
DISPOSALS PER GAME 11.8
DISPOSALS PER GAME 12.9
DISPOSALS PER GAME 11.3
MARKS PER GAME 4.7
MARKS PER GAME 5.6
MARKS PER GAME 4.6
TACKLES PER GAME 0.9
TACKLES PER GAME 1.1
TACKLES PER GAME 1.1
INTERCEPT MARKS PER GAME 1.8
INSIDE 50s PER GAME 2
INTERCEPT MARKS PER GAME 0.9
REBOUND 50s PER GAME 2.8
MARKS INSIDE 50 PER GAME 2.2
REBOUND 50s PER GAME 1.7
SPOILS PER GAME 8.6
SCORE INVOLVEMENTS PER GAME 5.8
SPOILS PER GAME 2.9
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 46
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 70.3
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 47.4
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
The young defender established himself as
An injury interrupted season saw the forward
The 23-year-old was reliable in defence,
one of Fremantle’s most important backmen,
ruck kick 20 goals from his 13 games. He had
earning 11 AFL appearances as he filled in for
playing the opening 12 games of the season
a number of game-winning performances,
injured teammates down back. His strongest
before it was unfortunately ended with a
including 4.3 against Hawthorn, where he
performance came in the round 22 RAC Derby,
serious hamstring injury against the Western
took five marks inside 50, and also kicked four
where he had eight marks and 13 disposals. He
Bulldogs in round 12. He had five or more marks
goals in Freo’s thrilling win against Sydney. The
also made seven appearances for Peel in the
on six occasions, and ranked third at Freo for
206cm big man was also a more than adept
WAFL. A rookie selection in 2019, Watson made
intercepts with an average of 5.75 per game. He
support for Sean Darcy in the ruck.
14 AFL appearances through two seasons but
once again led Fremantle for disposal efficiency,
was not offered a contract for the 2022 season.
running at 90.2 percent, almost five per cent higher than the second-ranked Luke Ryan (85.5 per cent).
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 67
afl player profiles
39
41
42
Sam Bailey SwitkOwski banfielD
Stefan girO
DATE OF BIRTH 20/11/1996
DATE OF BIRTH 26/02/1998
DATE OF BIRTH 10/03/1999
2021 GAMES 12
2021 GAMES 6
2021 GAMES 4
CAREER GAMES 32
CAREER GAMES 38
CAREER GAMES 14
2021 GOALS 9
2021 GOALS 4
2021 GOALS 1
CAREER GOALS 16
CAREER GOALS 13
CAREER GOALS 4
DISPOSALS PER GAME 12.2
DISPOSALS PER GAME 9.3
DISPOSALS PER GAME 10.8
MARKS PER GAME 3
MARKS PER GAME 2
MARKS PER GAME 3.3
TACKLES PER GAME 2.7
TACKLES PER GAME 2.3
TACKLES PER GAME 0.8
INSIDE 50s PER GAME 2.6
INSIDE 50s PER GAME 1.2
CONT. POSSESSIONS PER GAME 32.3
MARKS INSIDE 50 PER GAME 0.7
MARKS INSIDE 50 PER GAME 0.7
CLEARANCES PER GAME 0.5
SCORE INVOLVEMENTS PER GAME 5.5
SCORE INVOLVEMENTS PER GAME 3.7
INSIDE 50s PER GAME 1.3
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 55.4
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 40.7
AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 43.3
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
The dynamic small forward had impacted game
After showing promise in the pre-season,
The speedy midfielder played four AFL games
time as he battled injury, missing rounds four
Banfield sustained an ankle injury in a Marsh
and 13 WAFL games in 2021. Against Carlton in
to nine with a broken finger and two further
Community Series clash with West Coast,
round three, Giro had a career-high 20 disposals
stints on the sidelines with separate hamstring
which limited his game time for the bulk of the
and kicked a goal, which would be his final
injuries. When he played, he continued to be a
year. After a handful of appearances for Peel,
on-ground appearance for Fremantle. He was
threat up front, kicking nine goals and bringing
Banfield broke into the line-up in style in round
an unused medical sub against Hawthorn
much needed forward pressure.
17 against Hawthorn, kicking three goals. As well
the following week and did not make an AFL
as playing forward, he had occasional stints as
appearance for the rest of the season, Giro was
a tagger, limiting Tim Kelly to seven touches
not offered a contract for 2022.
in the round 22 RAC Derby while racking up 19 disposals.
68 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
Michael freDerick DATE OF BIRTH 17/05/2000
DISPOSALS PER GAME 9.7
2021 GAMES 7
MARKS PER GAME 5
CAREER GAMES 17
TACKLES PER GAME 1
2021 GOALS 5
INSIDE 50s PER GAME 2.7
CAREER GOALS 9
MARKS INSIDE 50 PER GAME 0.9 SCORE INVOLVEMENTS PER GAME 4.3 AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 52
SUMMARY A livewire forward, Frederick kicked a goal in five of his seven appearances, but unfortunately sustained an ankle injury in round
43
eight against Brisbane which ended his season. The 20-year-old continued to show his potential but would have lamented his inaccuracy at times, kicking 1.4 against Carlton on the way to kicking 5.11 for the season.
Taylin DuMan DATE OF BIRTH 18/04/1998
DISPOSALS PER GAME 15.2
2021 GAMES 6
MARKS PER GAME 4.7
CAREER GAMES 45
TACKLES PER GAME 2
2021 GOALS 0
INTERCEPT MARKS PER GAME 0.8
CAREER GOALS 1
REBOUND 50s PER GAME 2.3 SPOILS PER GAME 4.3 AFL FANTASY POINTS PER GAME 59.2
SUMMARY The 23-year-old played six AFL and seven WAFL games in 2021. He won plenty of the footy against Gold Coast, racking up 22 disposals and nine marks in what would be his final appearance
44
for Fremantle. Drafted as a rookie in 2017, Duman played 45 games for Freo between 2018 and 2021 but was not offered a contract for 2022.
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 69
cOmmuniTy upDaTe
S I M O N EASTAUGH H E A D O F COM M UNITY ENGAG EME N T
To the Freo Family,
T
FRE O F O O T PRIN T S This is our program for two to four-year-olds that engages both children and their parents. We’ve designed Freo Footprints to be a vehicle to get young children involved in motor skill development that also provides a link to the
his is the first time we’ve had a letter
We’re thrilled to have reached more than
next stage of football development in Auskick.
to our members and supporters
110,000 kids through our programs this year,
We’re really proud that Freo Footprints has
from the Community Engagement
providing children and youth from across the
grown so rapidly, starting from one centre to
team in the Docker Annual, which
state with the opportunity to engage in Club
four centres across the Perth Metro region,
is just a small symbol of the changes we’re
activities that range from traditional football
with more than 120 children and their parents
bringing into this space that hopefully some of
experiences to leadership and mental health
involved every term.
you have noticed throughout the year.
education. We have a growing team that is out
Twelve months ago, I transitioned out of
to all participants we are passionate about,
CO M M U NIT Y COACHIN G A N D KIM B E RL E Y 9 s
a coaching role at the Club to my current
telling the Club’s story and growing a
Our Community Coaching program was
position as the Head of Community
reputation that is synonymous with a strong
introduced this year in conjunction with WA
Engagement.
community link.
Police, delivering foundation level coaching
It was an exciting opportunity for me, working
Essentially, our aim is to be THE Community
and front-line officers, while aligning those
extensively in our Community Engagement
Club of the AFL.
accredited officers with junior clubs and school
in the community to bring great experiences
accreditation to police recruits, cadets
department, gaining greater understanding of
football programs across the state. This
the significant impact our Club has off the field.
Hopefully, you had the chance to be involved
program tied in with our inaugural, and highly
The Club’s Community engagement is a key
with the Club through our community
successful, Kimberley 9s carnival, played
pillar in our Strategic Plan and we are driven to
programs in some way in 2021, but if you
on Cable Beach in Broome over two days in
be known as ‘more than football’.
haven’t, here is a summary of just some of our
September this year. As well as working with
new initiatives.
WA Police, joined with the Department of
This means there’s a genuine passion and drive
Education, to use the carnival as an incentive
from the board and CEO, right through our
to promote positive school attendance and
entire Club, to have a community focus as part
reduce local crime in regional WA. In total, 300
of our culture.
kids attended this carnival from across the Kimberley.
70 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
2021 aflw awards
PE A K PE RF O RM A N CE PR O G R A M
Alongside these new programs, the Club has
U16 Next Generation Academy team take on
continued its strong presence in primary and
West Coast in an All Nations selection game
This program will commence in December
secondary schools with students participating
before the RAC Derby in August.
for females aged 15 to 17 who aspire to be
in Freo branded programs in conjunction with
AFLW footballers. It will offer the opportunity
the WAFC, with considerable growth in female
I would like to acknowledge the passionate
to participate in a Club-developed High
participation and our trademark Schools
and driven work of our team. We’ve also had
Performance program, led by our AFLW
Skills Competitions continuing to attract
amazing assistance from many of our AFL and
players and high performance staff as an
large numbers of students to a competitive
AFLW players, as well as dedicated casual
introductory experience of what it takes to
interschool environment.
staff, who have gone above and beyond to make our new and existing community
make it to the AFLW. With the challenges of COVID restrictions in
programs the best possible experience for
M U LTI CU LT U R A L S CH O O L S PR O G R A M
2021 we had limited opportunity to conduct
participants.
This is a new pilot that we’ve implemented
Optus Stadium. Due to these restrictions we
I would also like to thank the thousands of
with the Australian Islamic College that we’ll
were only able to hold three curtain raisers
participants who took part in our programs.
look to implement into multicultural schools
in 2021 however we hope we can expand
You are part of our Freo Family and we hope to
across WA. Introducing our great game and
this significantly in 2022. It was great to host
see you again in 2022.
better still our great players and Club to
both the Fremantle City Dockers and Secret
students that are new to the culture of AFL
Harbour Dockers for a game, as well as see our
our traditional home game curtain raisers at
football, making Freo their Club of choice!
G OA L S A H E A D This is a mental health education program held in conjunction with Youth Focus and Zero2Hero, providing a mental health education program for year 8 students. The program looks to equip participants with the tools and knowledge to tackle the challenges that come throughout life in secondary school.
71 >>> Docker annuAl 2021
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 71
cOmmuniTy upDaTe
neXT generaTiOn
Academy
F
remantle’s Next Generation Academy,
by South Fremantle’s Jesse Motlop and
This rebranding helps connect the programs to
powered by Tyrepower, continued to
Claremont’s Eric Benning representing WA at
inspiring examples of former multicultural and
lead the way in the AFL in 2021.
U19 level. A further six players also took part
Indigenous players who excelled at AFL level
in the WAFC’s State High-Performance U17s
for the Fremantle Dockers.
At the forefront was the debuts of NGA
program including, West Perth’s Jasper Scaife,
graduates Brandon Walker and Joel Western,
Claremont’s Conrad Williams and William
While elite talent will always be the face of
with the pair combining for 14 games and
Wolfe, while South Fremantle’s Chase Bourne
the program, the Club aligned the NGA with
impressing with their blistering pace.
and Ashwin Malik were in the squad, along
the Community Engagement department in
with Josh Draper from Peel Thunder
2021 to enhance football participation at all levels of community football in metropolitan
They join top-10 pick Liam Henry as the three NGA graduates currently on Fremantle’s list,
The ‘Stephen Hill Squad’ is a part of the
and regional WA. Aside from the football
with Henry playing 17 games in 2021 as he
rebranding of the Club’s NGA programs;
development that players take part in, the
develops into a dual-role player as a small
•
The Peter Bell Squad for under 14s
NGA also provides off field development
forward and on the wing.
•
The Roger Hayden Squad for under 15s
workshops for members of the older-age
•
The Tendai Mzungu Squad for under 16s
squads, focusing on social responsibility and
•
The Stephen Hill Squad as the elite talent
life choices, nutrition and preparation for state
under 18s program
and AFL level programs. It also emphasises
Heading into the 2021 NAB AFL Draft, Fremantle could further add to their NGA talent, with 36 members of the Stephen
education and career pathway options by
Hill Squad, taking part in the WAFC’s State
utilising partnerships with SEDA and the Club’s
High-Performance program – highlighted
co-major partner Programmed.
72 >>> DOcker annuAl 2021
2021 aflw awards
This alignment was highlighted in 2021 by the
Led by Roger Hayden, and assistant NGA
The FFC NGA is looking forward to its ongoing
incredibly successful, inaugural Kimberley
coaches including past players Antoni Grover,
partnership with Tyrepower to enable further
9s Carnival on Cable Beach in Broome, while
Anthony Morabito, Jon Griffin and Jay Van
growth of female academy programs, while
also seeing significant growth in the female
Berlo, the program interacted with over 2,000
enhancing existing male programs and making
academy programs. The Club’s female
male and female participants. Through the
a greater impact in the regional zones that
academy saw huge participation numbers,
course of 2021 the NGA made a number of
the Club is aligned to. Through building high
with over 200 female footballers aged 11 -14
remote and regional visits to NGA Zones
calibre programs, the increase in participation
and expertly coached by a number of AFLW
such as the Kimberley (Claremont) in April
will only see the FFC NGA go to greater heights
players at northern and southern hubs. Such
and September, visiting local communities in
and create more opportunities for young
was the success of this program a second
Broome, Warmun, Halls Creek and Kununurra.
people to thrive on and off the field.
phase of the program will be offered later in
Included in these trips was Hayden’s home
2021.
region of Brookton (South Fremantle), and interactions with the Yilgarn Falcons
The NGA also held its annual WAFL Carnival
squad (West Perth) in Merredin. Further
for players from the five WAFL regions of South
engagements are planned this year in the
Fremantle, East Fremantle, Peel, West Perth
Mid West (East Fremantle) at Geraldton and
and Claremont with more than 530 players
further trips to the Kimberley with a focus
taking part at Santich Park, Lake Coogee
on further developing female football in the
highlighting the increased popularity and
region.
profile of the NGA programs the Club offers.
73 >>> Docker annuAl 2021
DOcker annuAl 2021 >>> 73
2021 Staff List EXECUTIVE
FOOTBALL OPERATIONS
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Matthew Boyd
Tom Fee
Senior Content Producer
Meghan Hughes
Brand & Marketing Coordinator
Brittany Maxfield
Team Leader - Digital Production
Daniel McDonald
Video Producer
Luke Morfesse
Head of Media Relations
Simon Garlick
Chief Executive Officer
Peter Bell
Executive General Manager of Football
Joshua Carr
Assistant Coach - Midfield
Joseph Brierty
Executive General Manager of Operations and People
Elliot Clare
Football Data Analyst
Evelina Palmiotti
Executive Assistant/ Office Manager
Joel Corey
Development Coach
Graeme Parker
Chief Operating Officer
Jackson Dennis
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Anna Palma
Graphic Designer
Kasey Passmore
Executive General Manager of Marketing & Communications
Dale Emery
Football Operations Specialist
Cale Provan
Digital Production Coordinator
Cameron Tuohy
Executive General Manager of Finance & Consumer
Harry Garland
Football Strategy Coordinator
Brett Rechichi
Media Coordinator & Producer
William Stanway
Video Producer
Erin Verevis
Team Leader - Digital Communications
Scott Ward
Head of Content and Marketing
AFLW
Assistant Coach - Defence
Jaymie Graham
Assistant Coach – Forwards
James Grierson
Physiotherapist
Gabrielle Charlton
AFLW Physiotherapist
Trent Cooper
AFLW Head Coach
Gary Ingraham
AFL & AFLW Fitness Services
Brett Fletcher
AFLW Physiotherapist
Brad Keller
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Darryn Fry
Head of AFLW
Renee Kennedy
Physiotherapist / Head Trainer
Daniel Haines
Assistant Coach - Midfield
Hannah Hong
AFLW Head Trainer
Justin Longmuir
Senior Coach
Amy Lavell
Assistant Coach
Phil Merriman
High Performance Manager
Mikayla Lyons
AFLW Strength and Conditioning Coach
Bob Murphy
Head of Football Operations and Performance
Corey Morris
AFLW Strength and Conditioning Coach
Tendai Mzungu
Development Coach
Kelli O’Brien
AFLW Property Assistant
Adam Read
Kellie Properjohn
AFLW Leadership & High Performance Facilitator
Paul Salis
Wade Spilcker
AFLW & NGA Operations Coordinator
Kate Starre
AFLW High Performance Manager
Craig Thomas
MEMBERSHIP Phoebe Cianfrini
Membership Events & Supporter Groups Coordinator
Jarrod Cunningham
Membership Operations & Ticketing Lead
Bryden Emrich
Membership Services Officer
Jordan Fuller
Membership Communications Lead
Donna Gratwick
Membership Services Officer
Harry Houghton
Membership Services Officer
Development Coach - Forward Line
Sophia Ilarda
Custom Service Team Leader
Property Services Manager
Carla Marturano
Head of Membership
Karina Thorne
Membership Services Officer
Marshall Stockden
Senior Physiotherapist
Geoff Valentine
Peel Thunder Senior Coach
MERCHANDISE
AFLW Development Coach & Training Coordinator
Matt Wilding
Football Data Analyst
Craig Evans
Team Store Manager
Marly Van Batenburg
AFLW Player Development Manager
Daniel Zaknich
Senior Strength and Conditioning Coach
Tony Godden
Merchandise & Partnership Account Manager Team Store Assistant
Assistant Coach – Forwards
FOOTBALL RECRUITING
Kirra McManus
Jay Van Berlo Lisa Webb
Assistant Coach – Backs
Ben Marks
Recruiting Assistant
PARTNERSHIPS
David McMullin
Draft Manager - Victoria
Adam Bury
Head of Commercial Partnerships
Ed McMullin
Recruiting Manager
Melanie Cousins
Partnerships Account Manager
Glenn Duffield
Commercial Partnerships Manager
Jana Gernhoefer
Partnerships Account Manager
Natasha McLeod
Partnerships Account Manager
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Simon Eastaugh
Head of Community Engagement
Braeden Money
Recruiting Assistant
Mitchell Harvey
Fans & Community Coordinator
David Walls
Head of Player Personnel
Roger Hayden
NGA Coach / Aboriginal & Multicultural Liaison Officer
Graham Mills
Community Engagement Operations Manager
Emma Pass
Foundation Operations Manager
CONTRACTS, RISK & GOVERNANCE Ben Martin
Contracts, Risk and Governance Manager
EVENTS
FINANCE Emma Baron
Senior Payroll Officer
Carissa Pearce
Business Development Executive
Kathryn Belben
Management Accountant
Elle Sinclair
Partnerships Account Manager
Mark Hambley
Business Analyst
Curtis Hogg
Head of Finance
Amber Vandam
Assistant Accountant
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Kellie Black
Head of Events
Ashli Fletcher
Events Assistant
Olivia Minutillo
Events Coordinator
FACILITIES & STRATEGIC PROJECTS Jade Holmes
Facilities & Office Assistant
Adrian Lacquiere
Head of Facilities & Projects
Josh Armstrong
IT Coordinator
Shannon Oliphant
IT Service Desk Officer
Sean Raynor
IT Manager
PREMIUM & CORPORATE SALES Jacy Chalcraft
Premium Sales Executive
Mark McClure
Consumer Acquisition Executive
Ryan Meadowcroft
Consumer/Premium Sales Executive
Adam Northover
Head of Premium Sales & Merchandise
Melissa Tempra
Head of Consumer Acquisition
Lisa Webster
Premium & Corporate Sales Coordinator
Pia Zoiti
Premium Sales Executive
PEOPLE & CULTURE Jenaya Campbell
People & Culture Officer
Brad Wellings
Head of People & Culture
As at November 1, 2021
2021 parTnerS
aflW
THANK YOU TO OUR
50,342 MEMBERS IN 2021 FOR YOUR UNWAVERING SUPPORT! Show you are Forever Freo and join us again for 2022.
The Fremantle Football Club respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we play our great game here in Perth, the Whadjuk People of the Noongar Boodja. We recognise their ancient and continuing culture and connection to land, and pay our respects to Elders, past and present. We extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples across Australia.