Fremantle’s future looks as promising as anyone
It does not seem that long ago that Dockers coach Justin Longmuir was on the hot seat after his side slumped to 14th last season.
Jye Amiss od the Dockers.Credit: Getty
That feels like a lifetime ago now, with Fremantle thumping supposed premiership contenders Melbourne by 92 points in Alice Springs on Sunday to vault them into sixth spot at the halfway point.
The Dockers’ list is in fine fettle, from young gun on-ballers Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw and Hayden Young to ruck unicorn Luke Jackson and key forwards Jye Amiss and Josh Treacy.
That is without mentioning a defence headlined by captain Alex Pearce and Luke Ryan, and with the fast-developing Heath Chapman coming on strong.
A new contender for AFL’s most underrated?
Sam Switkowski is highly valued at Fremantle and is somewhat of a Champion Data darling, but probably does not have the profile he deserves.
There are flashier names on the Dockers’ list but arguably no one was more important in them putting Melbourne to the sword than Switkowski, who had to force his way into the AFL via the VFL.
The 27-year-old finished with 25 disposals, eight marks, six inside 50s, five clearances, one goal, and 10 score involvements in an outstanding display.
The ‘most underrated’ tag gets shared around on a weekly basis, but anything that gets Switkowski more love is worth it.
Melbourne could miss finals
The conversation about the Demons needs to switch from whether they can win this year’s flag to if they will even make it to September after a forgettable afternoon.
Melbourne v Fremantle.Credit: Getty
They have lost three of their past four matches to fall outside the top eight, with the sole win over a St Kilda side on track to finish in the bottom four.
Jake Lever and Jacob van Rooyen were missing, but Melbourne were otherwise at full strength, so the alarming nature of Sunday’s loss – after kicking the first two goals of the day – is worse in that context.
Next round’s clash with Collingwood on King’s Birthday shapes as a huge one for both clubs, with the Magpies having an excuse for their recent run of outs with a lengthy injury list.
Another Demons defeat, particularly if it is lopsided, would be cause for serious concern for Simon Goodwin and his coaching staff.