ON paper, 2023 was not much better than Season 7 for Fremantle, with those in purple recording only half a win more than they did in 2023 than they did the previous season. But, like seasons prior, injuries were again a big issue for Fremantle, with most of their biggest names missing at least one game through the season.

However, the offseason has seen the Dockers pick up some big inclusions, but also lose a massive part of their team for the season, so how will things go for the Purple Brigade in 2024?

TEAM LIST

#1 Gabrielle Newton
#2 Kiara Bowers*
#3 Emma O’Driscoll
#4 Angela Stannett*
#5 Sarah Verrier
#6 Madeleine Scanlon
#7 Aisling McCarthy
#8 Dana East
#9 Gabby O’Sullivan
#10 Aine Tighe
#11 Mikayla Morrison
#12 Ebony Antonio
#13 Makaela Tuhakaraina
#14 Orlagh Lally
#15 Tara Stribley
#16 Serena Gibbs
#17 Holly Ifould
#18 Philipa Seth
#19 Hayley Miller
#20 Jae Flynn?
#21 Mim Strom
#22 Airlie Runnalls
#23 Joanne Cregg
#24 Ash Brazill
#25 Megan Kauffman
#26 Tahleah Mulder
#29 Ariana Hetherington
#30 Jess Low
#31 Gabrielle Biedenweg-Webster
#32 Laura Pugh
#33 Amy Mulholland
#37 Tunisha Kikoak

* Inactive

SQUAD CHANGES

In: Gabby Newton, Aisling McCarthy, Holly Ifould, Ash Brazill, Gabby Biedenweg-Webster
Out: Kiara Bowers (Inactive), Nikki Nield, Mikayla Hyde, Roxanne Roux, Sarah Wielstra, Emmelie Fiedler

FIXTURE

Match 1: August 31 vs Essendon at Windy Hill
Match 2:  September 8 vs Adelaide at Fremantle Oval
Match 3: September 14 vs Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval
Match 4: September 21 vs Melbourne at Fremantle Oval
Match 5: September 27 vs St Kilda at RSEA Park
Match 6: October 1 vs Geelong at GMHBA Stadium
Match 7: October 6 vs Hawthorn at Fremantle Oval
Match 8: October 12 vs Carlton at Fremantle Oval
Match 9: October 19 s West Coast at Optus Stadium
Match 10: October 26 vs GWS at Henson Park
Match 11: TBC vs Western Bulldogs at Fremantle Oval

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

Can they break their injury curse?

One thing that has been plaguing the Dockers for years is injuries. Just last season alone Ebony Antonio, Kiara Bowers and Aine Tighe – all massive parts of the side’s best 21 – missed at least one game during the year due to injury. The question will be can they get their best players through the year without any injury issues, and what kind of benefits consistency to the side can provide.

How do you solve a problem like replacing Kiara Bowers?

One massive part of the side that will be missing this season is Kiara Bowers, who has moved to the inactive list after announcing her pregnancy. The question for Lisa Webb and her coaching staff is how do you replace someone who is such a bellwether player for the side? Bringing in Aisling McCarthy will help, but she alone will not be enough.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Aisling McCarthy

One of a number of big name recruits the Dockers brought in over the offseason, McCarthy’s timing of coming to the Dockers turned out to be perfect with Bowers not playing this season. McCarthy will likely be the one that slots straight into the midfield to fill Bowers’ absence, and her big body presence, grunt and tenacity will be a massive help in filling the gap, but can she truly ensure that her new side are not left at a deficit by not having Bowers there?

PREDICTION

Fremantle’s chances this season ultimately come down to the Dockers’ luck with injuries. If they can keep their list fully healthy, they definitely have the talent to be pushing for a finals berth, but if they cannot they may not reach much higher than the roughly 13th spot they have finished the last few years.