The club:
Formed: 1994
Joined AFL: 1995
Premierships: Nil
Last finals appearance: 2006, Preliminary Final (v Sydney)

2007 at a glance:
Among the premiership favourites before a ball was bounced, Fremantle endured a topsy-turvy season that saw coach Chris Connolly depart. There were some highlights such as two wins over Adelaide and a round 18 Derby victory against West Coast, but a 10-12 win loss record and 11th spot were ultimately disappointing.

2008 to date:
Again fancied in premiership betting pre-season, the Freo’ season started badly and has become worse. Fremantle lost its first two games, then defeated cross-town rival West Coast, before dropping another seven on the trot. The latest loss completed a record-breaking five-match sequence in which Fremantle has led at three-quarter time but failed to take home the four points.

The coach:
The honeymoon is well and truly over for Mark Harvey. The long-time Essendon stalwart amassed a 4-3 record in seven games in charge last year, but his 2008 ledger reads a rather less flattering 1-9. Will be hoping his legendary tenacity can rub off on his charges.

Missing in action:
Fremantle’s ill fortune this campaign has carried over to the injury list – key players Roger Hayden (collapsed lung), Steven Dodd (calf) and Des Headland (knee) are all sidelined at present. Playmaker Paul Hasleby was ruled out before season’s start and has undergone a knee reconstruction.

The gun:
Matthew Pavlich has copped more than his share of criticism in recent weeks. And while it’s true he’s hit the post with several vital shots, he is also asked to carry too big a burden at times. Playing largely at centre half-forward for a team that has won only a single game, Pavlich is averaging 17 possessions and seven marks a match and has kicked 31 goals. By far the team’s most potent weapon.

The bolter(s):
Everybody knew that Rhys Palmer had talent – he wasn’t taken with the No. 7 pick in last year’s draft for nothing. But few could have known he would become as good a player as quickly as he has. Since debuting in round two, the 19-year-old has averaged 22 possessions a match, with three 25-plus outings. Is quick, brave and a star in the making.

Strengths:
Pavlich is a five-time All-Australian, Peter Bell and Josh Carr have both played in premierships and Freo appear to have a good mix of experienced and youthful talent. Giant 211cm ruckman Aaron Sandilands invariably gets first hands to the ball in ruck contests, while a forward line that features Pavlich, Chris Tarrant and Jeff Farmer has plenty of potential firepower. Fremantle has taken the game to some of the competition’s best in 2008, losing to Geelong and the Western Bulldogs by less than a kick and Port Adelaide, Hawthorn and Adelaide by fewer than three goals.

Weaknesses:
See above. Most of Freo’s strengths have been limited to “on paper” only in 2008. Tarrant and Farmer have been out of form, Sandilands’ taps have regularly been sharked by opposition sides and two of the team’s best link runners, Brett Peake and Byron Schammer, have battled to execute their disposal skills. Too often Fremantle’s efforts are cruelled by untimely turnovers – an affliction that has plagued the club since its inception more than 13 seasons ago. And then there is the fact Harvey’s side has lost five straight games despite leading at the last change.

Running hot:
Palmer was excellent against Port Adelaide last weekend, amassing a team-high 28 possessions. Fellow youngster Garrick Ibbotson has also been in fine form and is averaging more than 18 possessions a game. Sandilands had 20 possesions, 24 hit-outs and kicked 2.3 against the Power.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club