The Sunday Times’ annual VIP lists of West Coast and Fremantle’s most important players don’t seek to rank their best players, but rather identify the ones who are the most indispensable.

They take into account not only a player’s ability to have an impact this season, but his team’s ability to cover for him should he not be available.

There’s no prizes for guessing the Dockers’ top dog, with Nat Fyfe retaining the No.1 spot for the fourth year since the lists began. There are five changes to Fremantle’s VIP list in a reflection of the club’s busy trade period last October.

The loss of Lachie Neale means veteran David Mundy will be called on to play a crucial centre-square role after spending much of his time forward over the past two years.

Along with Mundy’s return to the list, defender Alex Pearce and wingman Ed Langdon have forced their way in for the first time. Recruits Jesse Hogan and Rory Lobb have gone straight in.

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Neale, injury-troubled veteran ruckman Aaron Sandilands, defender Nathan Wilson and key position pair Matt Taberner and Joel Hamling have been squeezed out.

Nathan Wilson and Luke Ryan both had strong claims, while ruckmen Sandilands, if he can get healthy, and Sean Darcy will have vital roles to play.

SEE WEST COAST’S TOP 10 HERE

FREMANTLE’S 10 MOST IMPORTANT PLAYERS FOR SEASON 2019

1. NAT FYFE (Last Year: 1)

Still the one. The superstar skipper led the Brownlow Medal count after 10 rounds last year before suspension and injury and looks to have his body in a good spot despite a nagging elbow issue which kept him out of the JLT Community Series. The 27-year-old will carry a big burden given the loss of clearance partner Lachie Neale.

Camera Icon Nat Fyfe handballs under pressure during the Round 1 AFL match between Fremantle and North Melbourne. Credit: AAPIMAGE

2. MICHAEL WALTERS (Last Year: 2)

We probably haven’t seen the best of the smooth mover due to a string of injury issues, but in full flight Walters is as classy as any player on the list. With a stronger midfield, Walters could create havoc at the feet of Jesse Hogan and Rory Lobb but he will probably need to spend plenty of time on the ball.

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3. JESSE HOGAN (Last Year: Not listed)

One of the most exciting recruits in the club’s history, Hogan’s implosion and indefinite selection withdrawal on the eve of the season came as a bombshell. Freo’s fortunes could now heavily mirror his own progress this season. The 24-year-old has been good for more than two goals a game throughout his career and could become the first Docker to kick 50 goals in a season since Matthew Pavlich kicked 69 in 2012 if he gets on the park consistently.

4. DAVID MUNDY (Last Year: Not listed)

The veteran former skipper bolts back up the list after missing altogether last year. The departure of Neale and injuries to Stephen Hill and Connor Blakely mean the 33-year-old will wind back the clock and start the season as one of the prime onballers. Poised to celebrate his 300th game in round six.

5. ALEX PEARCE (Last Year: Not listed)

The 23-year-old’s career was nearly halted before it barely began, but after overcoming two broken legs he is poised to offer a commanding presence in the back half. With the benefit of a strong summer under his belt, Pearce is well-placed to build on his promising comeback season and announce himself as one of the game’s most reliable defenders.

Camera Icon Alex Pearce. Credit: AFL Media

6. CONNOR BLAKELY (Last Year: 10)

Out of action for the start of the season following a serious hamstring injury over summer, but remains an integral cog this season given the loss of Neale. Having played mainly at half-back, looks ready to make his mark as an inside ball-winner and his availability and form will be crucial to Fremantle’s finals chances.

7. RORY LOBB (Last Year: Not listed)

His recruitment was overshadowed by the arrival of Hogan, but Lobb is potentially a big fish in his own right. The 207cm Greater Western Sydney recruit can take a great contested grab and will be handy support in the ruck. Has suddenly become more important as a forward target given the indefinite absence of Hogan.

8. ED LANGDON (Last Year: Not listed)

The 23-year-old wingman-forward averaged a career-high 22 touches a game to emerge as a positive from last season. Had over 30 possessions three times and looks to still be on the improve. Comes out of contract at the end of the season and is a priority re-signing.

Camera Icon Stephen Hill. Credit: AFL Media

9. STEPHEN HILL (Last Year: 3)

Repeated injuries have raised the question of whether we may have seen the best of the electric speedster, but if the 28-year old can get his body right it would be huge for the Dockers. Currently sidelined with his troublesome quad and with no return date specified, Hill played a career-low 13 games last season.

10. BRADLEY HILL (Last Year: 9)

The 2017 Doig Medal winner was restricted to just 10 games last season courtesy of a knee injury but had 35 touches in the final round against Collingwood in a reminder of his relentless running game. Still only 25 and should have plenty left to give.