Dockers Destiny

Fremantle have been the laughing stock of the AFL, as Justine McCullagh-Beasy reports, 2006 is the year they must seize on and make the finals.

Since their inception into the AFL in 1994, the Fremantle Dockers have been the centre of much ridicule. One finals appearance in ten years, which resulted in a devastating defeat, gives leeway for such criticism.

The previous two seasons have seen Fremantle narrowly miss out on a finals berth leaving their fans, the football public and themselves ruing missed chances.

2006 is a make or break season for the boys from the west. Loaded with talent the Dockers must make the finals and compete every match with grit and determination. With Pavlich, Luke McPharlin, Heath Black and Josh Carr donning the purple there is no reason to expect less of the leagues underachievers.

Last season saw stunning underdog victories against the Demons at the MCG, Geelong at Skilled Stadium and an inspirational come from behind victory against St.Kilda in round twenty-one, highlighting their ability to match it with best. Yet, the inability to capitalise on such wins with losses to weaker sides in Hawthorn and Richmond underlined, once again, the Dockers fragile mentality.

With the pre-season cup less than a month away newly appointed assistant Coach, Mark Harvey is barking orders at his troops, installing a sense of want and need into the players. Harvey was snared by Fremantle from Essendon to bring toughness to the Dockers, who are often hassled for being weak and vulnerable. Harvey’s lengthy apprenticeship under champion Coach Kevin Sheedy ensures a taste for September success has landed at the dock.

Under Harvey’s orders many players have thrived. Speedster Brett Peake, who was nominated for ‘Goal of the year’ twice last season, is catching the eye of many of the faithful. Big things are expected from the son of former Geelong player, Brian. He is touted to move into the midfield full-time to help the likes of Carr, Black, Paul Hasleby and Peter Bell. Peake, along with Byron Schammer, will add some much needed pace to the midfield.

Up forward three time All-Australian Pavlich will hope to continue his brilliant form of last season. Vice-captain Pavlich will, once again, work in tandem with highflying McPharlin and crumbers Jeff Farmer and Paul Medhurst. Pavlich, who has undergone shoulder and knee surgery during the off-season, will miss the NAB Cup but is expected to be available for round one.

Pavlich is a vital cog in the Dockers tilt at the finals. Play centres around the big man who brings out the confidence in his teammates with his ever-present passion.

Robbie Haddrill managed three matches last season after succumbing to an ankle injury in round eight. The undersized fullback is fit and raring to go after a season on the sidelines. The no name backline consisting of Shane Parker, Graham Polak, Scott Thornton and David Mundy are capable of holding most sides to a meagre total.

A list as deep and rich as Fremantle’s deserves to be honoured with success. Mediocrity should, and will not, be accepted in 2006 and beyond. The window of opportunity id well and truly open for the Dockers, but self-belief needs to be encouraged in order for success to flow.

As an avid, passionate Dockers supporter, I predict and hope for a place in the September action in season 2006 and beyond. A Fremantle premiership sure would be nice!

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