FREMANTLE made the best of a tough situation in 2024, losing one of the best players in the competition in Kiara Bowers as well as being without important Docker Ange Stannett, and key forward Aine Tighe for the majority of the year. They will all return in 2025, with Fremantle heading into Monday night’s draft with four list spots.

>> FREE: View the 2024 AFLW Draft Guide

2024 RECORD: 5th, 8-3, 136% | Eliminated: Semi-Final
2024 PICKS: 13, 34, 38, 51

LIST CHANGES:
IN: Bella Smith (Sydney), Matilda Banfield (rookie), Pick 34, Pick 38, Pick 51
OUT: Airlie Runnalls (Collingwood), Ariana Hetherington (Fremantle), Mikayla Morrison (retired), Makhaela Tuhakaraina, Tara Stribley, Serena Gibbs, Tahleah Mulder, Jae Flynn (delisted), Pick 31, Pick 49

FIRST PICK:
Pick 13

The hope amongst Fremantle fans that the Dockers would try and find a way to work into a top five pick and select one of Zippy Fish or Molly O’Hehir was dashed yesterday, but the West Australian club will still have plenty of talented options to select from at Pick 13.

The Dockers would have a firm eye on Central District’s Charlotte Riggs as a key defensive need, but with the Crows moving up to Pick 12 in the draft, that might make it tough. Instead filling a tall attacking option might be a good shout with one Vic Metro and Eastern Ranges duo Georgie Brisbane or Grace Belloni sure to come under consideration. Both are terrific contested marks with high endurance bases.

REMAINING CROP:
Picks 34, 38, 51

Fremantle will have a couple of picks in close succession through the 30s, with a few more local talent around the mark. Claudia Wright would come into consideration but is likely off the board by the Dockers’ second pick, but tall athletic defender Taya Chambers is around the mark. The East Fremantle talent is able to provide explosive speed and great aerial ability, while playing key lockdown roles.

If the Dockers look to “pair up” some Sharks, then fellow East Fremantle defenders Julia Teakle and Natasha Entwistle could be on the wishlist, with East Perth speedster Sabella Banks another who earned a State Draft Combine invite. Outside the state, South Adelaide defender Gypsy Schirmer is a perfect fit, while Lions Academy key forward Chloe Gaunt is a long-term prospect who is in the open draft.

KEY QUESTIONS:

– Will the Dockers pounce on a key position player at their first selection?
– Do Fremantle look local later on the draft?
– Can the side fill those few holes to turn into a premiership contender in 2025?