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Adam Simpson’s word of warning for those expecting big things from Fremantle in 2025
Andrew Slevison • March 8th, 2025 8:00 pm
There are plenty of pundits who are expecting Fremantle to bounce in 2025.
The Dockers eventually finished 10th last year with 12.5 wins but were well in the finals mix before four straight defeats cost them.
After recruiting Shai Bolton in the trade period, many believe that Freo are capable of bursting back into finals contention in coach Justin Longmuir’s sixth season in charge.
SEN’s Gerard Whateley recently suggested that this is “election year” for the Dockers, believing they must deliver in 2025.
He said on SEN’s Whateley: “It’s time.”
Former West Coast coach Adam Simpson doesn’t necessarily agree with that sentiment, firmly stating that the expectation to catapult from 10th to premiers is unrealistic.
“Is it time?” Simpson asked.
Whateley replied: “Not to win the flag, but you can’t be missing the eight now.”
Simpson feels that simply making finals, and not winnin a flag, is the prerequisite, indicating that some media people and over-confident Freo fans alike are potentially too bullish.
The West Coast premiership coach believes the Dockers are still putting in place the building blocks for success.
“I would have thought making the eight is a priority,” he added.
“They’re still the fifth or sixth youngest list in the competition, they’re still building.
“They’re probably another one or two years away before they’re in that absolute position of a Brisbane-like feel.
“They’re trying to set up for sustained success. I still think they’re at the start.
“To do what they’re dong and say what they’re saying is admirable and maybe they’ll back it right up and everyone will have a successful year and they’ll finish top four.
“But to go from 10th to winning a premiership, that’s a pretty big jump.
“So, finals, yep, absolutely. Winning a final would be a great achievement. But to say it’s time for a flag this year, I think we’ve just got to calm down a little bit.”
The Dockers defeated Melbourne by 19 points in the AAMI Community Series on the weekend.
Longmuir’s side kicks off its 2025 campaign against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium in Round 1 on Saturday, March 15.
