Why Fremantle Dockers Are the Team to Watch This Season

When discussing the Australian Football League (AFL), we have teams with storied histories and teams with histories being made right now. One of those teams is Fremantle Dockers. Situated in Perth, Western Australia, Fremantle is not just another AFL club; it is a movement of the "Purple Army"- loyal fans who live and breathe footy.  

As of this season, all eyes are on the Dockers. With Nat Fyfe's emotional farewell tour, Caleb Serong's rise as a leader, the energy generated by Andrew Brayshaw, and the introduction of Shai Bolton as a new X-factor, the Dockers are the team people are talking about.  

In this article, we are going to take an in-depth look at why Fremantle Dockers are the team to watch this season.

A Short History – From Underdogs to Contenders

In 1995, the Fremantle Dockers entered the AFL.  There were many years when the Fremantle Dockers were thought of as a young exciting team who had not had the success that might be expected.  Their major moment was in 2013 when they qualified for a Grand Final, but they lost to Hawthorn. 

Since that time Freo has gone about rebuilding the playing group with youth and experience, now in 2025, they are seen as a serious challenger.

Reasons Why Fremantle Dockers Are the Team to Watch

Nat Fyfe Farewell Season

After a brilliant career, Nat Fyfe, dual Brownlow medalist and club champion, has confirmed his retirement. Now we want it to be a fitting send-off to end his career. They will say that his leadership is super-important, even more so today for our younger players. Fans turn up to the ground to watch Fyfe play for the last time in a purple jumper.

 Caleb Serong - The New Captain Fantastic

Caleb Serong is only 24 years of age, but is already the heartbeat of Fremantle. He tackles, he sees the game, and he plays the game fearlessly. He is Aspiring the best midfielders in the league. This year he has made the All-Australian squad too, so you know he's got the class.

 Rising Stars - Andrew Brayshaw & Luke Jackson

Brayshaw brings energy, consistency, and a never-say-die attitude. Luke Jackson (recruited from the Melbourne Demons) will add versatility - he can ruck, he can forward, and if you get him in form, he can dominate anywhere (or so I hope).

Shai Bolton Trade – X-Factor Addition

Fremantle pulled off one of last year's largest trades as they signed Shai Bolton from Richmond. Bolton's speed, flair and ability to kick match-winning goals are exactly what Fremantle needed to add that X-factor to their game.

Strong Finals Campaign

In Round 22 against Port Adelaide, Alex Pearce kicked an unforgettable match-winner to have Fremantle's chances of finals secured. That one moment showcased Fremantle's heart and resilience.

 The Purple Army – Fans That Matter

No AFL team has a fanbase like Fremantle. The Purple Army brings passion, songs and energy. Home matches at Optus Stadium are practically a carnival.

Fremantle Dockers 2025 Key Players & Impact

Emotional Angle – Why This Year Feels Special

This isn’t just another season for Fremantle. It’s a farewell to legends (Fyfe, Walters), it’s the coming-of-age of new leaders (Serong, Brayshaw), and it’s a chance to write history by chasing that long-awaited first AFL premiership.

For fans, every win feels sweeter, every goal feels like destiny calling.

Check out this summarized news story 👀

Murphy Reid: Fremantle Dockers youngster shows he’s built for finals with sparkling first half https://t.co/MznElSqeDi

— News Wave (@mynewswave) September 6, 2025

Why Experts Are Backing Fremantle

Balanced squad: Youth + Experience

Tough in midfield: Serong, Brayshaw, Bolton combination is lethal

Defence solid: Pearce, Ryan keep opposition in check

Crowd factor: Home crowd at Optus is like having an extra player

Hunger: Players openly speak about wanting to deliver for Fyfe

Fremantle Dockers 2025 Season Performance (up to September)

The Dream – Can Fremantle Win the Flag?

Every AFL season, one question ignites hope: who will win the premiership? Fremantle can keep dreaming. They have the depth, the leadership and the desire.

Sure, it is tough to defeat heavyweights such as Collingwood or Melbourne, but we saw in the Port Adelaide game, Fremantle has that fight like no other. If any season has a chance of being theirs, it could be this one.