At Saturday night’s Doig Medal Presentation Dinner, both captain Nat Fyfe and Senior Coach Justin Longmuir addressed where Fremantle need to see improvement if they are to go further than 2022’s semi final berth.

Both highlighted the need to be competitive in big games, with Freo unable to test Collingwood in a 20-point semi final loss.

Fyfe added that this starts with everyone replicating what was a strong off-season for the group this time last year.

“We need to make sure our summer sets us up for a good year,” Fyfe said.

“Our availability this year was one of the key reasons why we were able to push so deeply and the players have a responsibility to make sure they get their off-seasons right again.

“Next year's improvement needs to come in big games. We had a good look at what finals footy is about, and that’s where the improvement has to come from.

“We won one final but we have to win three maybe four. We’ve had a look at what a final is, and we have to step up next year.”

Fyfe said 2022 was one of his most enjoyable in football despite the bittersweet feeling of missing most of the season and all of the finals series.

“From a team point of view, it’s one of the most enjoyable seasons I’ve been a part of,” Fyfe said.

“From my perspective, it was challenging at times but what I’ve learned from this year is the importance of our depth, having gratitude. Hopefully I have a bit more luck next year.”

Longmuir mirrored Fyfe’s thoughts on how Fremantle’s season ended.

“We should be really proud of what we achieved this year,” Longmuir said.

“We took a step forward and it’s important to reflect on that.

“We also need to understand that last game (against Collingwood), that’s the level we need to get to.

“We want to perform on that stage in hostile territory. That is the bar that will drive us over pre-season.”

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