Coming off a 14th place finish in 2018, Fremantle will be hopeful of improving in 2019 and developing a strong core of youngsters.

In the off-season, the Dockers lost star midfielder Lachie Neale who requested a trade to Brisbane, but gained dominant forwards Jesse Hogan (won't play Sunday) and Rory Lobb, as well as former Tigers’ midfielder Reece Conca and Essendon forward Travis Colyer.

But the biggest boost for the Dockers this season will undoubtedly be the return of a healthy Nat Fyfe.

The skipper was in career-best form until a hamstring injury in Round 15 put the brakes on his 2018 campaign.

Since winning the Brownlow medal in 2015, Fyfe has put just one full season together, and despite having an interrupted pre-season due to an elbow injury, he is confident he can get through a season unscathed.

Fyfe’s on-field presence will be vital in aiding the development of some of Fremantle’s young crop of emerging midfielders, who were given good exposure to AFL football last season.

Taken at picks two and five in the 2017 National Draft, Andrew Brayshaw and Adam Cerra are the two that coach Ross Lyon will be hoping can step up and play valuable midfield minutes.

The pair played a combined 38 matches in their debut seasons, and in Neale’s absence look likely to partner Fyfe and David Mundy in the middle.

The likes of Stefan Giro, Bailey Banfield and Ed Langdon are also emerging players the club will be hoping can rise to the occasion.

At Optus Stadium, the Dockers hold an impressive record, despite only calling the newly opened stadium their home for one season.

Against travelling sides, Fremantle holds a 7-4 record, with two of those losses against eventual finalists, and another against North Melbourne who finished third.

The wide expanses of Optus Stadium promote Fremantle’s strong running game, which is carried out by its younger players.

Now with Lobb and Hogan on the list, the space will allow both forwards sufficient space to lead into.

Coached by Lyon for the ninth straight year, Fremantle has been known for throwing some selection curveballs over the years and causing some upset wins.

So, regardless of ladder position or recent form, there’s little reason to take the Dockers lightly.