Preview 2026 Best 23 Discussion

[Mags98]

I had a quick check on our delisting / retirements and they played a total of 14 games in 2025 between them, Fyfe being the most with 8 and 7 of them were the sub. We really are primed to improve with that stat for once. Judd McVee played 17 last season so we have already replaced the loss.

In comparison, we lost 105 games at the end of 2022 and shat the bed in 23.

you would think theyd take some lessons off that 2023, Fyfe and Walters retiring suggests that the club is happy with how things are going off field/leadership wise as well.

Primed.

 

[Docker82]

you would think theyd take some lessons off that 2023, Fyfe and Walters retiring suggests that the club is happy with how things are going off field/leadership wise as well.

Primed.

You've got to move players on when they can no longer contribute.

No point having on field leaders that can't deliver a satisfactory on field performance. Otherwise they should be providing leadership from an off field role.

In the second half of 2022 Home and Away season Mundy had just lost a little bit IMO. Fyfe and Walters lost that in 2024 yet they were still on our list in 2025.

 

[Boppo]

FB: Ryan Pearce Simpson
HB: Clark Cox McVee
C: Wagner Young Chapman
HF: Bolton Treacy Reid
FF: Amiss Voss Switkowski

R: Darcy Jackson Brayshaw

I: Serong Walker Erasmus Frederick Johnson



FB: Worner Davies Draper
HB: xxxx Murphy Carr
C: Banfield O'Meara Sharp
HF: Sweid Mcdonald Sturt
FF: Kickett Nicholls Murray

R: Cox O'Driscoll Whan

I: Riddle Dudley Luke

What a team. Imagine Worner, NOD, Dudley, Sweid, Draper putting pressure on for spots. Murray and Sturt too.

 

[Purple Suit]

You've got to move players on when they can no longer contribute.

No point having on field leaders that can't deliver a satisfactory on field performance. Otherwise they should be providing leadership from an off field role.

In the second half of 2022 Home and Away season Mundy had just lost a little bit IMO. Fyfe and Walters lost that in 2024 yet they were still on our list in 2025.

Maybe in comparison to Mundy I agree, but the club did learn a lesson from the changes at the end of 22 and keeping Fyfe and Walters for 2025 was the right call after the season's they had. 22 games + 17 games in 24 and with the age of our list, we would have extended them anyway if they didn't have contracts.

 

[Docker82]

Maybe in comparison to Mundy I agree, but the club did learn a lesson from the changes at the end of 22 and keeping Fyfe and Walters for 2025 was the right call after the season's they had. 22 games + 17 games in 24 and with the age of our list, we would have extended them anyway if they didn't have contracts.

Think there's a pretty big experience gap amongst our main leaders from end of 2022 compared to end of 2024.

It's literally all the same players except they're more experienced.

 

[AstonSouffle]

Many won’t like it, but with McVee coming in on the HBF, I can see Banfield becoming the incumbent fat side Winger that others will need to prove themselves better than to take that position off him.
For his tagger role, I have Wagner as the congested wing.

I love it, tbh i think he played his best footy on the wing - but he's almost a victim of how he's a jack of all trades master of none.

We bag him out, but he's a player I can say the above about but also kick 3 goals in a game as a forward, or play back and the commentators praise him - until he loses the game for Freo (counted about 5 instances off memory he's done this).

 

[AstonSouffle]

Brayshaw said likely 50/50

Heard Justin say that while that is the long-term view that he goes into the midfield he has brought a great deal to their forward line, so they'd have to consider that first.

 

[Quay Club]

I love it, tbh i think he played his best footy on the wing - but he's almost a victim of how he's a jack of all trades master of none.

We bag him out, but he's a player I can say the above about but also kick 3 goals in a game as a forward, or play back and the commentators praise him - until he loses the game for Freo (counted about 5 instances off memory he's done this).

 

[Duz97]

Anyone know where coop has been training so far in the pre season? Gone back to being a fwd or staying with the backs?

 

[mattis117]

Anyone know where coop has been training so far in the pre season? Gone back to being a fwd or staying with the backs?

You're about two months early with this question.

 

[go_the_dockers]

FB: Ryan Pearce Simpson
HB: Clark Cox McVee
C: Wagner Young <????>
HF: Bolton Treacy Reid
FF: Amiss Voss Switkowski

R: Darcy Jackson Brayshaw

I: Chapman Serong <?????> Erasmus Frederick

Questions
Does Frederick get pushed up to the wing, and then we play an extra small forward like Pickett, Dudley, Murray, Sweid ?
Who takes the last midfield spot. Does Johnson compliment the rest, or do we want more speed?
Does Chapman move to Wing, and then we play someone like Walker or does he stay in the back half and another player goes to the wing?
Does Simpson start in the back 7, or does Walker get the last spot there?
How do we get more people through the midfield? Where do Brayshaw, Serong, Young play when not in the midfield?

My opinion
If we are brave, then Chapman stays in the back 7 with Simpson, Clark and McVee. This back 7 allows us to take the game on.
I really want at least one of Pickett, Dudley, Murray, Sweid and I would consider 2 if they show some form. For this reason, I think Frederick needs to start the season on the wing.
This also allows players like Reid to get more midfield time.

I think Young, Brayshaw and Serong should spend 30-40 percent each outside the centre square. I think Young and Serong are good in the forward line, with Brayshaw maybe playing wing. This opens up midfield time for Erasmus, Reid, Johnson, Bolton, Jackson and Switta. It will be very interesting to see how we balance midfield minutes next year.



FB: Ryan Pearce Simpson
HB: Clark Cox McVee
C: Wagner Young Frederick
HF: Bolton Treacy Reid
FF: Amiss Voss Switkowski

R: Darcy Jackson Brayshaw

I: Chapman Serong Erasmus Johnson <Best small forward after preseason>

 

[Lach72]

We can pencil McVee into half back

 

[mattis117]

2026 will arguably have the most competitive B23 in Fremantle history; we have never had depth this good. I've been looking forward to 2026 for a while because we have a squad where a huge chunk of them are the same age, and next year is the year you would expect them to be fully matured, around that 5 years in the system mark. Our low standard deviation squad has me excited.

Still way too early for this, plus I don't think we have a best 23 per Se, but should have flexibility for match ups.

B: Ryan, Pearce, Chapman
HB: McVee, Cox, Clark

C: Johnson, Brayshaw, Wagner (has increased running capacity especially for this role)
Foll: Darcy, Serong, Young

HF: Reid, Treacy, Amiss
F: Bolton, Voss, Switkowski

Bench: Jackson, Erasmus, plus three from remainder.

Options for remainding 3 spots: Simpson, Dudley, Kickett, Sweid, Murray, NOD, JOM, BB, Draper, Walker, Sharp

 

[Ysaye]

2026 will arguably have the most competitive B23 in Fremantle history; we have never had depth this good. I've been looking forward to 2026 for a while because we have a squad where a huge chunk of them are the same age, and next year is the year you would expect them to be fully matured, around that 5 years in the system mark. Our low standard deviation squad has me excited.

Still way too early for this, plus I don't think we have a best 23 per Se, but should have flexibility for match ups.

B: Ryan, Pearce, Chapman
HB: McVee, Cox, Clark

C: Johnson, Brayshaw, Wagner (has increased running capacity especially for this role)
Foll: Darcy, Serong, Young

HF: Reid, Treacy, Amiss
F: Bolton, Voss, Switkowski

Bench: Jackson, Erasmus, plus three from remainder.

Options for remainding 3 spots: Simpson, Dudley, Kickett, Sweid, Murray, NOD, JOM, BB, Draper, Walker, Sharp

Agree that it is too early and Best 23s are always more hypotheticals but I think you are close; however I think we should consider the following:

• I feel like with a bench of five they will go for one dedicated rotation each for defence and attack - that being said, the incumbents for those positions must surely be:
  • Not the flashiest player but IMO Worner must be close to a lock for one of the remaining 3 spots - I fell he would be a go to if Ryan or Chapman went down injured.
  • Frederick has been coping a heap of flack on this board, but in terms of a defensive running half forward he does a lot of kms (ability to run kms at speed do count), and it has been a whilst since he was dropped. Sweid is going to be better defensively than Frederick but he doesn't strike me as an immediate running replacement (feels more like who you pick if Swita goes down), Murray is probably closer as a midfielder come forward, and Dudley and Kickett are more competing for a role closer to home).
• The big question marks are still who shows up for the wings, fat and skinny:
  • I don't have a massive issue with Wagner on the wing (I really liked his games this year), but I wonder if they won't try and return to a dedicated fat side running winger (our previous two were Sharp, Johnson and then NOD) and keep Wagner as a flexible utility option? As others have said, also what about the extra years of experience of Bailey Banfield or again the the running ability of Frederick?
  • Further, whilst I like Johnson for the skinny side role, would he get a gurnsey before JOM or even Erasmus if they are all fit? If we are going on exposed game form, I feel like Erasmus finished the season playing a rotating skinny/inside better than Johnson did before he was injured, and JOM has the cards if experience has a say (which it always does with coaches).

 

[Quay Club]

2026 will arguably have the most competitive B23 in Fremantle history; we have never had depth this good. I've been looking forward to 2026 for a while because we have a squad where a huge chunk of them are the same age, and next year is the year you would expect them to be fully matured, around that 5 years in the system mark. Our low standard deviation squad has me excited.

Still way too early for this, plus I don't think we have a best 23 per Se, but should have flexibility for match ups.

B: Ryan, Pearce, Chapman
HB: McVee, Cox, Clark

C: Johnson, Brayshaw, Wagner (has increased running capacity especially for this role)
Foll: Darcy, Serong, Young

HF: Reid, Treacy, Amiss
F: Bolton, Voss, Switkowski

Bench: Jackson, Erasmus, plus three from remainder.

Options for remainding 3 spots: Simpson, Dudley, Kickett, Sweid, Murray, NOD, JOM, BB, Draper, Walker, Sharp

Peel are also going to have a good year with the upgrade in talent, even with the limitation on numbers taken into account

 

[Dockeroo]

Slightly related to this thread but I really dislike the move to a 23rd man on the field by the AFL. This has been a slow creep from 22 to now 23 players being named as regular starters in the last few years.
Given we clearly had the worst bottom 6 players of all the eight finalists last year, it’s just another small thing that makes it even harder for us.
Great for teams with massive depth like Brisbane and GC. Bad for the likes of freo.

 

[go_the_dockers]

Slightly related to this thread but I really dislike the move to a 23rd man on the field by the AFL. This has been a slow creep from 22 to now 23 players being named as regular starters in the last few years.
Given we clearly had the worst bottom 6 players of all the eight finalists last year, it’s just another small thing that makes it even harder for us.
Great for teams with massive depth like Brisbane and GC. Bad for the likes of freo.

I really don't think our bottom 6 are that bad, at least assuming no injuries.

I think our depth has improved a fair bit in the off season, at least at the moment when everyone is training the house down.

I think except for Brisbane, we are not too far away from matching any side for depth. GC will have awesome depth in 2 or 3 years, but they are not there yet and need to hold on to their free agents to win a flag.

Key forward depth is not ideal, but we can easily play one less tall and an extra small with out any issues.
We really just need one of Pickett, Dudley, Sweid , Murray to have a break out season.

Having said all that, it would have been great to get someone like Ah Chee or .. to improve our bottom 2 or 3 players, and add more final experience.

--------------------
FB: Ryan Pearce Simpson
HB: Clark Cox McVee
C: Wagner Young Frederick
HF: Bolton Treacy Reid
FF: Amiss Voss Switkowski

R: Darcy Jackson Brayshaw

I: Chapman Serong Erasmus Johnson Murray

Depth
General: Worner, JOM, O'Driscoll, Walker, Banfield, Sharp, Pickett, Dudley, Sweid

KPD: Davies, Draper, McDonald
KF/ Ruck: Cox, Riddle

 

[AstonSouffle]

Slightly related to this thread but I really dislike the move to a 23rd man on the field by the AFL. This has been a slow creep from 22 to now 23 players being named as regular starters in the last few years.
Given we clearly had the worst bottom 6 players of all the eight finalists last year, it’s just another small thing that makes it even harder for us.
Great for teams with massive depth like Brisbane and GC. Bad for the likes of freo.

Do Gold Coast really have massive depth?

Feels like they shed about 4 best 23 players this last trade period alone to accumulate the points that they did to draft their Queensland kids.

 

[go_the_dockers]

Do Gold Coast really have massive depth?

Feels like they shed about 4 best 23 players this last trade period alone to accumulate the points that they did to draft their Queensland kids.

Not many best 22 players, but I think Flanders is seriously overrated. (I think he was the only best 22 player they lost)

It is probably more of an issue that players like Witts and Miller are slowing. If their first round picks hit the ground running, it will be a big win otherwise they may struggle.

The other question is can they hold on to King.

 

[pK75]

I really don't think our bottom 6 are that bad, at least assuming no injuries.

I think our depth has improved a fair bit in the off season, at least at the moment when everyone is training the house down.

I think except for Brisbane, we are not too far away from matching any side for depth. GC will have awesome depth in 2 or 3 years, but they are not there yet and need to hold on to their free agents to win a flag.

Key forward depth is not ideal, but we can easily play one less tall and an extra small with out any issues.
We really just need one of Pickett, Dudley, Sweid , Murray to have a break out season.

Having said all that, it would have been great to get someone like Ah Chee or .. to improve our bottom 2 or 3 players, and add more final experience.

--------------------
FB: Ryan Pearce Simpson
HB: Clark Cox McVee
C: Wagner Young Frederick
HF: Bolton Treacy Reid
FF: Amiss Voss Switkowski

R: Darcy Jackson Brayshaw

I: Chapman Serong Erasmus Johnson Murray

Depth
General: Worner, JOM, O'Driscoll, Walker, Banfield, Sharp, Pickett, Dudley, Sweid

KPD: Davies, Draper, McDonald
KF/ Ruck: Cox, Riddle

KPF is probably the least of my concerns when we just recruited Cox, our depth (Voss) was so good they are moving Jackson to a permanent mid/ruck role, he could easily move back, or we bring in Cox or OMac if either of our talls go down, we’d need 3 talls injured at the same time to pull the lever of playing an extra small.

 

[Suma Says]

KPF is probably the least of my concerns when we just recruited Cox, our depth (Voss) was so good they are moving Jackson to a permanent mid/ruck role, he could easily move back, or we bring in Cox or OMac if either of our talls go down, we’d need 3 talls injured at the same time to pull the lever of playing an extra small.

Plus I reckon in the next 12 months Nicholls is going to pop.

Liked what he showed back end of last season. Not dissimilar to a pre breakout Treacy (bit inconsistent but had some eye opening moments)

That might not help us in round 1, but I think he will surprise a few by seasons end. And this time next year he will really start pushing for a spot

 

[go_the_dockers]

KPF is probably the least of my concerns when we just recruited Cox, our depth (Voss) was so good they are moving Jackson to a permanent mid/ruck role, he could easily move back, or we bring in Cox or OMac if either of our talls go down, we’d need 3 talls injured at the same time to pull the lever of playing an extra small.

I also have no concerns regarding KPF depth, as all 5 are under 28, so should have 5 years plus left.

I was highlighting the lack of any players out of the 23 that I rate.


I would prefer to only play 4 key forwards / rucks if one is injured and not play Cox.
If Darcy is injured, then it becomes easier to play Cox or McDonald but if anyone else is injured then I would prefer to go small.

but others rate Cox a lot higher than I do.

 

[Channels]

My effort

Ryan Pearce Simpson
Clark Cox McVee
Sharp Young Frederick
Reid Treacy Jackson
Switkowski Amiss Bolton

Darcy Brayshaw Serong

IC: Erasmus Johnson Draper Chapman Worner

Competing for spots : Banfield, Walker, o'Meara, Dudley

Injury cover: Omac and Cox

 

[Duz97]

Slightly related to this thread but I really dislike the move to a 23rd man on the field by the AFL. This has been a slow creep from 22 to now 23 players being named as regular starters in the last few years.
Given we clearly had the worst bottom 6 players of all the eight finalists last year, it’s just another small thing that makes it even harder for us.
Great for teams with massive depth like Brisbane and GC. Bad for the likes of freo.

Our bottom 6 aren’t great but I don’t think we have enough match winning talent consistently which will cost us a few finals.

 

[mattis117]

Agree that it is too early and Best 23s are always more hypotheticals but I think you are close; however I think we should consider the following:

• I feel like with a bench of five they will go for one dedicated rotation each for defence and attack - that being said, the incumbents for those positions must surely be:
  • Not the flashiest player but IMO Worner must be close to a lock for one of the remaining 3 spots - I fell he would be a go to if Ryan or Chapman went down injured.
  • Frederick has been coping a heap of flack on this board, but in terms of a defensive running half forward he does a lot of kms (ability to run kms at speed do count), and it has been a whilst since he was dropped. Sweid is going to be better defensively than Frederick but he doesn't strike me as an immediate running replacement (feels more like who you pick if Swita goes down), Murray is probably closer as a midfielder come forward, and Dudley and Kickett are more competing for a role closer to home).
• The big question marks are still who shows up for the wings, fat and skinny:
  • I don't have a massive issue with Wagner on the wing (I really liked his games this year), but I wonder if they won't try and return to a dedicated fat side running winger (our previous two were Sharp, Johnson and then NOD) and keep Wagner as a flexible utility option? As others have said, also what about the extra years of experience of Bailey Banfield or again the the running ability of Frederick?
  • Further, whilst I like Johnson for the skinny side role, would he get a gurnsey before JOM or even Erasmus if they are all fit? If we are going on exposed game form, I feel like Erasmus finished the season playing a rotating skinny/inside better than Johnson did before he was injured, and JOM has the cards if experience has a say (which it always does with coaches).

I accidentally omitted Frederick and Worner due to half edits, I think they are two of the three to go into the bench. I had them there and you then out but didn't put into the other category. The dangers of doing this on my phone!