In a nutshell

Finals looked achievable before injuries hit hard and it all fell apart. Fans were ready to move on from the Ross Lyon era and the board agreed, axing the club's longest-serving coach and CEO Steve Rosich to herald a fresh start.

What we said in the pre-season

Tipped the rebuilding Dockers to finish 13th and that's where they landed, with their lack of depth exposed after the bye. Predicting Jesse Hogan to be the recruit of the year didn't quite work out, and his career could hinge on successful navicular surgery and rehabilitation. Picking Nat Fyfe for his second Brownlow was a no-brainer and the superstar skipper will be right in the mix.

What worked

Sonny's midfield exposure

After losing Lachie Neale, the Dockers needed Michael Walters to help fill the breach and he was magnificent, averaging 21.8 disposals while still kicking 40 goals to deservedly earn his first Virgin Australia AFL All Australian blazer.

An unexpected ruck

Rory Lobb picked Freo over West Coast partly to play in attack but it was in the middle where the Dockers got the most out of him. With Sean Darcy's name raised in trade speculation, could Lobb be the No.1 ruck in 2020?

Matera's mindset

Knuckled down over pre-season in a bid not to waste his career. Kicked 24 goals in his first 11 games before fading. Something to build upon.

What failed

Ross Lyon's gamestyle

Questions about the culture and staff burnout lingered but the direction of the rebuild was also concerning. Fans had tired of the attritional, defensive brand Freo reverted to once injuries hit and the lack of skill development.

Injury management

There is no denying injuries cruelled the Dockers, with Stephen Hill, Jesse Hogan, Alex Pearce, Matt Taberner and Harley Bennell among the quality personnel sidelined for long periods.

Stalled development

Again, injuries didn't help in some cases, but it's hard to argue key youngsters Adam Cerra, Sean Darcy, Griffin Logue, Brennan Cox or Connor Blakely took major strides forward in 2019. Andy Brayshaw was a tick.

Overall rating

C.

Improved to nine wins and generally competed but ultimately blew the chance to play finals.

The coach

The jungle drums became louder and louder about Ross Lyon's future as the season wore on, amid speculation about other coaching jobs and Freo's refusal to extend his contract beyond 2020. The board already knew Lyon wasn't the man to take them forward, but missing finals for a fourth-straight year gave them impetus to act swiftly and brutally to remove him after round 22.

MVP

Nat Fyfe: You could mount a strong argument for Walters after his match-winning feats, but Fyfe's consistent greatness gets him over the line. He could join elite company by winning his second Brownlow Medal in a matter of weeks.

Surprise packet

Darcy Tucker: Had been on the fringes for three seasons but cemented a spot through the middle and half-forward and showed plenty, averaging 19.1 disposals and kicking 10 goals.

Get excited

Luke Ryan: Would have been an All Australian contender if he didn't ping a hamstring in round 19. The emerging defender is tough, a beautiful kick and excellent overhead. The Dockers must do everything possible to re-sign him beyond 2020.

Disappointment

Stephen Hill: If there's a team that can't afford to have their best ball user sidelined it's the Dockers, and Hill managed just three games with more soft-tissue woes. Fremantle must get him right to offset the likely departure of brother Bradley.

Best win

Round five: Greater Western Sydney 11.16 (82) d by. Fremantle 16.10 (106)

Snapping the Giants' nine-game streak in Canberra was a huge upset, even if beating Brisbane and Collingwood were more dramatic wins. Freo's improved ball movement and potent forward line was everything supporters crave.

Best individual performance

Michael Walters: Round 10 v Brisbane at Optus Stadium

Take your pick from any of Walters' performances against the Lions, Pies or Power during his mid-season purple patch. The Brisbane game - when he had 25 touches and kicked two goals, plus the match-winning behind - was a stunning finale to Sir Doug Nicholls Round and revived Freo's season.

Low point

Sacking the coach and CEO is never a sign things are going swimmingly. This is the chance to hit the refresh button on and off the field.

The big questions

Who will the next coach (and CEO) be?

Can the Dockers land Tim Kelly and what will it cost?

Will Alex Pearce, Jesse Hogan, Stephen Hill and Matt Taberner overcome serious repeat injury concerns?

Season in a movie title

Executive Decision

Who's done?

Retirements: Aaron Sandilands.

Delistings: Hayden Ballantyne, Harley Bennell, Shane Kersten.

Unsigned free agents: Ryan Nyhuis.

How should they approach trade and draft period?

With an open mind. If Tim Kelly is willing to come, then go and get him. Use every bit of leverage to extract maximum value from Bradley Hill's departure, and take a serious look at top under-18s talent – especially WA guns Luke Jackson and Deven Robertson – while ensuring enough draft points to secure Next Generation Academy star Liam Henry.

Early call for 2020

So much depends on injuries. The Dockers' top 25 players form the nucleus of a very competitive squad, but depth is a major issue. If the new coach demands better skills, implements a more balanced gamestyle and has his best talent fit then Fremantle can play finals.