TiarneSwersky
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- May 8, 2015
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The Offseason will be a series of articles analysing each team’s list management, trade and free agency targets, and the biggest recruitment decisions to be made as the end of another season approaches.
The Bombers were first up, and now it’s time for the Dockers.
What they need?
Apart from a healthy list next year, the Dockers desperately need goal-scoring prowess.
It’s been the same dilemma for a few years now, but with the departure of club great Matthew Pavlich, and the question marks over the futures of Chris Mayne and Hayden Ballantyne at the club, Matthew Taberner (45 games), Michael Walters (94 games), Hayden Crozier (50 games) and Shane Yarran (6 games) make up a very experienced forward group heading towards 2017.
They need a key forward target to take over the forward half, and lead Fremantle into their next era of success.
The Dockers also need another pillar in defense. Michael Johnson - aged 31 - is coming off a serious injury, while Zac Dawson, 30, and Alex Silvagni, 28, are also ageing in defence.
Providing another key defender to help guide youngster Alex Pearce would be beneficial.
Biggest uncontracted names
Michael Barlow
Chris Mayne (UFA)
Ed Langdon
Anthony Morabito
Alex Silvagni
Zac Clarke (UFA)
Matt De Boer (UFA)
Best signing of the year
Lachie Neale - The Dockers signed their most valuable player of the season on a three year contract, tying him to the club until the end of 2019.
While the rest of his midfield group went down injured, Neale had an incredible year – averaging 33.5 disposals – 16.3 contested – seven clearances and almost five tackles across his 22 game-season.
He also led the AFL in total disposals with 737 and total effective disposals with 537.
And for the second year in a row, he’s been included in the 40-man All-Australian squad; elevated himself as one the best ball-winners in the competition, and will be awarded with his first best and fairest medallion.
Who won’t be there next year?
UFA’s – There’s four unrestricted free agents, and don’t be surprised if none of them don the purple in 2016. Mayne and Clarke loom as the most valuable assets for compensation.
Matthew Pavlich – It’s the end of an era, as the greatest Docker of all time played his final game after a stellar 17-year career.
Tendai Mzungu – The midfielder is out of contract, and after playing only 5 games in an injury-depleted year for the Dockers, his future at the club looks doubtful.
Anthony Morabito – The luckless midfielder signed a rookie contract at the end of 2015, but after recording only three games in six years, he could seek a fresh start somewhere else after being plagued by injury at the Dockers. Morabito played the last seven WAFL games of the season, with some solid form off half-back.
Garrick Ibbotson and Nick Suban aren’t certainties to remain at Domain Stadium in 2017 either.
Best find of the year
Connor Blakely – As the 34th pick in the 2015 Draft – Blakely had a standout debut season in the Dockers’ midfield – playing 15 games, earning the Round 11 Rising Star Nomination and averaging 20 touches a game.
Darcy Tucker – The 19-year-old defender settled into the Dockers’ line-up in his debut year – registering 12 games with an average of 15 disposals and four tackles a game.
Shane Yarran – The 27-year-old forward debuted in Round 18, and played every game to round out the season. He kicked a goal in each of his six games – including three goals in the Dockers’ big loss to GWS.
Biggest decision looming
Cam McCarthy – the GWS forward hasn’t played AFL in a year after struggling with homesickness and his mental health, and the Dockers aren’t the Western Australian club interested him.
They couldn’t get the deal done a year go, but how will this play out in October? Other than McCarthy, the club must convince Nat Fyfe to resign before he hits the free agency market in a year’s time.
Throw a lifeline to...
Jay Schulz – One year ago, the Dockers targeted Port Adelaide’s Jay Schulz with a reported two-year offer. Fast-forward to the end of 2016 and Schulz has been delisted and the Dockers are even more desperate to sign a forward. Schulz is keen to play on, and the Dockers could sign him on a very cheap, one-year contract, with all but no-risk required.
Jack Grimes – Grimes seems set to leave Melbourne, and the former captain – at only 27 years of age – could be a great addition to an undermanned and ageing backline.
Trade Targets
Brad Hill – The three-time premiership Hawk has already met with Ross Lyon, and is reportedly keen to join his brother Stephen at the Dockers in 2017.
At his best, Hill is a classy winger who can average 20 touches and a goal a game.
Rory Lobb – Damian Barrett reported that GWS ruck/forward Rory Lobb could seek a trade to his home state of WA in the offseason. Lobb is 23 years old and has been one of the breakout players in the competition this year.
He’s a mobile ruck/forward – who fits Fremantle’s bill perfectly – and kicked 26 goals this year, as well ranking second overall for total contested marks in the competition.
Cam McCarthy – After a year out of the game, does McCarthy have more or less value than this time last season. Will be interesting to see how GWS and Fremantle go about their business. He kicked 35 goals in 2015.
Aaron Black – Black has been linked to a move to Fremantle for three years, and after recording 0 senior games this season, he could finally join the Dockers’ forward outfit. At 25, he has plenty to offer a side lacking forward depth. His best years with North were 2013 and 2014, where he kicked 33 and 26 goals respectively. A trade would need to be manufactured, as Black is contracted until the end of 2017.
Shane Kersten – The Herald Sun is reporting that Fremantle and Geelong could do a straight swap, with Ballantyne joining the Cattery, and Shane Kersten – a key, uncontracted forward returning to WA. 2016 has been his best career year – kicking 22 goals from 17 senior appearances, including an average of 4.7 marks a game.
Marley Williams – Williams has been in and out of the Pies’ best 22 this year, and finds himself uncontracted at the end of 2016. The small defender is from WA, and could be an option to lively up Fremantle’s transition defense. Decision-making and skill execution are his biggest concerns, but he’s an attacking defender who provides a spark.
Trade Bait
Michael Barlow – The midfielder hasn’t resigned with the Dockers, and he admitted earlier in August that he was assessing all of his options this offseason. He’s from Victoria, is 28-years old, and the Dockers could ask for an early second-rounder in exchange for the injury-riddled midfielder.
Draft Picks – As it currently stands, the Dockers have pick no. 3 in the draft. They will not want to part with this pick in their dealings for Brad Hill and Cam McCarthy.
The club will want to use their first pick in the draft on Claremont midfielder, Sam Petrevski-Seton, who is being pitted as a top five pick.
They don’t have a second-rounder, but with compensation from their unrestricted free agents, and possible deals for Ballantyne and Nick Suban, they could strengthen their draft and trading position with an influx of second-round draft selections.
Nick Suban – The defender played in only 15 games this year – his lowest since 2012. Suban is contracted until 2017, but has emerged as a genuine target for Victorian clubs throughout the season. Suban is an ideal candidate for a straight swap with another club, or he could be used as bait to gain a second rounder.
Ed Langdon – The 20-year-old put contract talks on hold earlier this year, and rumours have swirled that he is keen to join his brother, Tom, at Collingwood next season.
Hayden Ballantyne – If Fremantle can entice Geelong, West Coast and Essendon (who are rumored to be interested in the small forward) into a bidding war, they can be in prime position to dictate the fate of this trade. If he wants out, let him go, but make sure the club is adequately reimbursed.
Surprise move of the off-season?
Fremantle to make a major play for Hawthorn player, Ryan Schoenmakers. He is a swingman who can play forward, back or as a chop-out in the ruck.
After playing in Hawthorn’s premiership last year, he’s managed only four games due to an ongoing injury. He’s contracted until 2017, so a trade would need to be agreed on.
If not Schoenmakers, than it may be Nathan Vardy from Geelong. If the Cats are keen on Ballantyne, Vardy could be put on the table for the Dockers in the exchange. He’s had a horrible run with injury, but his luck could change with a fresh start at a new club.
*This article was originally posted on The Roar by Tiarne Swersky*
The Bombers were first up, and now it’s time for the Dockers.
What they need?
Apart from a healthy list next year, the Dockers desperately need goal-scoring prowess.
It’s been the same dilemma for a few years now, but with the departure of club great Matthew Pavlich, and the question marks over the futures of Chris Mayne and Hayden Ballantyne at the club, Matthew Taberner (45 games), Michael Walters (94 games), Hayden Crozier (50 games) and Shane Yarran (6 games) make up a very experienced forward group heading towards 2017.
They need a key forward target to take over the forward half, and lead Fremantle into their next era of success.
The Dockers also need another pillar in defense. Michael Johnson - aged 31 - is coming off a serious injury, while Zac Dawson, 30, and Alex Silvagni, 28, are also ageing in defence.
Providing another key defender to help guide youngster Alex Pearce would be beneficial.
Biggest uncontracted names
Michael Barlow
Chris Mayne (UFA)
Ed Langdon
Anthony Morabito
Alex Silvagni
Zac Clarke (UFA)
Matt De Boer (UFA)
Best signing of the year
Lachie Neale - The Dockers signed their most valuable player of the season on a three year contract, tying him to the club until the end of 2019.
While the rest of his midfield group went down injured, Neale had an incredible year – averaging 33.5 disposals – 16.3 contested – seven clearances and almost five tackles across his 22 game-season.
He also led the AFL in total disposals with 737 and total effective disposals with 537.
And for the second year in a row, he’s been included in the 40-man All-Australian squad; elevated himself as one the best ball-winners in the competition, and will be awarded with his first best and fairest medallion.
Who won’t be there next year?
UFA’s – There’s four unrestricted free agents, and don’t be surprised if none of them don the purple in 2016. Mayne and Clarke loom as the most valuable assets for compensation.
Matthew Pavlich – It’s the end of an era, as the greatest Docker of all time played his final game after a stellar 17-year career.
Tendai Mzungu – The midfielder is out of contract, and after playing only 5 games in an injury-depleted year for the Dockers, his future at the club looks doubtful.
Anthony Morabito – The luckless midfielder signed a rookie contract at the end of 2015, but after recording only three games in six years, he could seek a fresh start somewhere else after being plagued by injury at the Dockers. Morabito played the last seven WAFL games of the season, with some solid form off half-back.
Garrick Ibbotson and Nick Suban aren’t certainties to remain at Domain Stadium in 2017 either.
Best find of the year
Connor Blakely – As the 34th pick in the 2015 Draft – Blakely had a standout debut season in the Dockers’ midfield – playing 15 games, earning the Round 11 Rising Star Nomination and averaging 20 touches a game.
Darcy Tucker – The 19-year-old defender settled into the Dockers’ line-up in his debut year – registering 12 games with an average of 15 disposals and four tackles a game.
Shane Yarran – The 27-year-old forward debuted in Round 18, and played every game to round out the season. He kicked a goal in each of his six games – including three goals in the Dockers’ big loss to GWS.
Biggest decision looming
Cam McCarthy – the GWS forward hasn’t played AFL in a year after struggling with homesickness and his mental health, and the Dockers aren’t the Western Australian club interested him.
They couldn’t get the deal done a year go, but how will this play out in October? Other than McCarthy, the club must convince Nat Fyfe to resign before he hits the free agency market in a year’s time.
Throw a lifeline to...
Jay Schulz – One year ago, the Dockers targeted Port Adelaide’s Jay Schulz with a reported two-year offer. Fast-forward to the end of 2016 and Schulz has been delisted and the Dockers are even more desperate to sign a forward. Schulz is keen to play on, and the Dockers could sign him on a very cheap, one-year contract, with all but no-risk required.
Jack Grimes – Grimes seems set to leave Melbourne, and the former captain – at only 27 years of age – could be a great addition to an undermanned and ageing backline.
Trade Targets
Brad Hill – The three-time premiership Hawk has already met with Ross Lyon, and is reportedly keen to join his brother Stephen at the Dockers in 2017.
At his best, Hill is a classy winger who can average 20 touches and a goal a game.
Rory Lobb – Damian Barrett reported that GWS ruck/forward Rory Lobb could seek a trade to his home state of WA in the offseason. Lobb is 23 years old and has been one of the breakout players in the competition this year.
He’s a mobile ruck/forward – who fits Fremantle’s bill perfectly – and kicked 26 goals this year, as well ranking second overall for total contested marks in the competition.
Cam McCarthy – After a year out of the game, does McCarthy have more or less value than this time last season. Will be interesting to see how GWS and Fremantle go about their business. He kicked 35 goals in 2015.
Aaron Black – Black has been linked to a move to Fremantle for three years, and after recording 0 senior games this season, he could finally join the Dockers’ forward outfit. At 25, he has plenty to offer a side lacking forward depth. His best years with North were 2013 and 2014, where he kicked 33 and 26 goals respectively. A trade would need to be manufactured, as Black is contracted until the end of 2017.
Shane Kersten – The Herald Sun is reporting that Fremantle and Geelong could do a straight swap, with Ballantyne joining the Cattery, and Shane Kersten – a key, uncontracted forward returning to WA. 2016 has been his best career year – kicking 22 goals from 17 senior appearances, including an average of 4.7 marks a game.
Marley Williams – Williams has been in and out of the Pies’ best 22 this year, and finds himself uncontracted at the end of 2016. The small defender is from WA, and could be an option to lively up Fremantle’s transition defense. Decision-making and skill execution are his biggest concerns, but he’s an attacking defender who provides a spark.
Trade Bait
Michael Barlow – The midfielder hasn’t resigned with the Dockers, and he admitted earlier in August that he was assessing all of his options this offseason. He’s from Victoria, is 28-years old, and the Dockers could ask for an early second-rounder in exchange for the injury-riddled midfielder.
Draft Picks – As it currently stands, the Dockers have pick no. 3 in the draft. They will not want to part with this pick in their dealings for Brad Hill and Cam McCarthy.
The club will want to use their first pick in the draft on Claremont midfielder, Sam Petrevski-Seton, who is being pitted as a top five pick.
They don’t have a second-rounder, but with compensation from their unrestricted free agents, and possible deals for Ballantyne and Nick Suban, they could strengthen their draft and trading position with an influx of second-round draft selections.
Nick Suban – The defender played in only 15 games this year – his lowest since 2012. Suban is contracted until 2017, but has emerged as a genuine target for Victorian clubs throughout the season. Suban is an ideal candidate for a straight swap with another club, or he could be used as bait to gain a second rounder.
Ed Langdon – The 20-year-old put contract talks on hold earlier this year, and rumours have swirled that he is keen to join his brother, Tom, at Collingwood next season.
Hayden Ballantyne – If Fremantle can entice Geelong, West Coast and Essendon (who are rumored to be interested in the small forward) into a bidding war, they can be in prime position to dictate the fate of this trade. If he wants out, let him go, but make sure the club is adequately reimbursed.
Surprise move of the off-season?
Fremantle to make a major play for Hawthorn player, Ryan Schoenmakers. He is a swingman who can play forward, back or as a chop-out in the ruck.
After playing in Hawthorn’s premiership last year, he’s managed only four games due to an ongoing injury. He’s contracted until 2017, so a trade would need to be agreed on.
If not Schoenmakers, than it may be Nathan Vardy from Geelong. If the Cats are keen on Ballantyne, Vardy could be put on the table for the Dockers in the exchange. He’s had a horrible run with injury, but his luck could change with a fresh start at a new club.
*This article was originally posted on The Roar by Tiarne Swersky*
