Fremantle were bounced out the AFL finals in straight sets despite two gallant efforts against Sydney away and Port Adelaide at home.
Here's our report card on their 2014 season:
What went wrong?
Not a lot. The Dockers finished one game and per cent from top spot. Four of six losses were by less than three goals and the 58-point loss to St Kilda in round 18, when six of their best 22 didn't play, can't really be explained.
Even undermanned they led Port Adelaide by 31 points early in the semi-final and by 10 points in the final term.
Everyone has injuries, but Hayden Ballantyne's cracked jaw last week was cruel. Having key defenders Luke McPharlin and Michael Johnson sidelined with injuries didn't help either.
What went right?
Their midfield has been a strength for a couple of years and it didn't disappoint again. Aaron Sandilands missed just one game but David Mundy. Ryan Crowley and Danyle Pearce played all 23. Michael Barlow, Nat Fyfe and Stephen Hill missed 13 games between them but the addition of young talent Lachie Neale to the engine room helped cover them.
During their friendly fixtures period (rounds 9 – 19) their only loss was that debacle against the Saints.
Who stood tall?
Neale was sensational after wearing the sub's vest for most of last year's Grand Final loss to Hawthorn.
Ballantyne too was outstanding in kicking 49 goals from 20 games, while Matt Taberner showed he can be a regular target in attack.
Hayden Crozier was unlucky to play just 11 games, but Colin Sylvia and Anthony Morabito had to be given opportunities.
Who didn't?
Newcomers Sylvia and Scott Gumbleton could have added something different to their attack. But Gumbleton broke down in pre-season and Sylvia showed up in worse than expected shape. The former Demon managed just six AFL games – averaging nine touches and kicking one goal.
After booting 101 goals in three previous seasons, Chris Mayne managed just 13 from 23 games in 2014 and, while Zac Clarke played in 21 games, he was fighting to retain his spot by season's end.
What's required to go further in 2015?
James Frawley – who did meet with Fremantle this week. He's the experienced marking forward they were hoping Gumbleton would be, plus he can also swing to defence, which would be handy if McPharlin doesn't go on.
Oh, and goal kicking practice!
Retirements/delistings?
Gumbleton and Kepler Bradley have retired and McPharlin is expected to follow them. Matt de Boer's contract talks have stalled also.
Josh Simpson has another year on his contract, but what to do with someone who no-shows for a flight to an away game?
Other young key forwards appear to have leap-frogged Craig Moller, who has played one game in two seasons and, while Sam Menegola had a solid WAFL season, the 22-year-old is yet to debut after three seasons on the list.
