The year of the Dockers

It has been a solid start for Freemantle in the AFL. Two games in and they are sitting pretty in second place after wins over Collingwood and Gold Coast. Ross Lyon will be very pleased with his men thus far but can they can they keep up their good start and win their maiden Premiership title?

Bookmakers bet365 certainly think so; they have them as 3/1 favourites and Freemantle’s performances so far certainly justify that. To go to Collingwood, who finished sixth last year, and turn them over 116-46 really highlights the scoring prowess that the Dockers possess this season, whilst their second fixture saw them neutralize the threat of Gary Ablett Jr. perfectly, as they ran out 87-39 winners. They have played two decent sides and have turned in Premiership winning performances. Although early days, if they can continue this form then they will have their best ever chance of AFL dominion.

The next two fixtures for Fremantle will give us the clearest indication as to whether they can sustain a title bid. First up are reigning champions Hawthorn Hawks, who are the second favourites with bet365 to retain their title. The away trip to Victoria is not going to be easy and it is a big ask to expect Fremantle to turn over Hawthorn. But if they do, then they look in brilliant shape to win their first Premiership. The favourites then welcome Essendon to the Subiaco Oval and victory over them will boost their credentials no end. They are two big fixtures for Fremantle and if they manage to come away with eight points then they will surely solidify their place as red-hot favourites.

The role of the coach is huge in Aussie Rules and in Ross Lyon the Dockers have one of the best in the league. He’s been a runner-up three times with St Kilda and once with Fremantle, making him one of the most experienced coaches in Australia at the minute. Using his tactical nous and his head, Lyon can win in the managerial chess match and guide his Fremantle side to victory. Lyon will be hungry for AFL success after coming so near in recent years. The only way to satiate this hunger will be to hold the Premiership Cup aloft come September. Lyon will fight for his side and will give every last bit of his energy to claim not only the club’s, but also his first AFL title.

With players such as Michael Barlow, who has 61 successful disposals in his two games this season, and Aaron Sandilands, who is an outsider for the Brownlow Medal, the Dockers have a very good squad, arguably the best in the league. In terms of defence they have the rock Matt de Boer, who has made 19 tackles this season, the third highest in the AFL. Fremantle have a cohesive squad that is more than capable of winning the AFL.

If one was to stick their neck out then they would have to go for Fremantle. 2014 is the year of the Dockers.