Fremantle's five non-negotiables in 2026

Because losing an elimination final isn't it.

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It’s the second guest column of the pre-season, this time from Freo tragics Duck and Oz over at the Purple Reign podcast.

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Fremantle find themselves at a turning point in 2026. After cracking September last season, expectations are mounting for them to make a deep run or perhaps even lift an elusive cup. The boys from Purple Reign break down how they can live up to those expectations.

1. Back-to-back finals

Believe it or not, this is a rarity for the Dockers. Since they came into the league, the boys in purple have only made consecutive finals during their purple patch in 2012-15. After a stellar 2022 season, including the elimination final win over the Bulldogs at Optus Stadium, they followed it up with a 10-13 record in 2023, finishing 14th. The next year they finished 10th. Age is no longer an excuse. After making finals last season, they must see September action again in ‘26, and potentially a prelim, to properly enter the premiership window.