2018-2019 SFL Preview: Fremantle FC

Last Season: 2nd

What’s going on at Fremantle? The squad shaken and the fans rattled after Stirling plundered the list. Chris Rochhi, Connor Crews and Fahed Kassis making the moves, joined by none other than Thiago Mesquita. Disbelief rampant on the terrace before the heart breaking realization one of their favourite chants need be shelved this season. Outraged at the prospect, Jason Quintiliani promptly moved to EWA.

The rebuild looks on the cards with Daniel Muzzarelli and Luke Tidy looking to roll the dice with youth and look within the club. Milan Rosic with an outstanding SFA campaign and Benji Mikhael making an SFL spot his own at the back of the Winter season. Throw in Jake Pizzuto and Diego Florenca and the kids look alright at Fremantle. Now it’s up to the likes of Claudio Tavares and Liam Cummins to help usher in the new era. Will they be joined by Mario Zubonja and Bruno Rocha? Only time will tell as the fans hold their breath. 

One thing’s for certain, Stirling versus Fremantle is going to be a cracker.

Main Man: Daniel Muzzarelli 

Bittersweet season for the Captain after jaunts to Indonesia with the East Coast Heat were tempered with semi final heartbreak in Melbourne and at home. Nine goals for the season and falling away from the MVP contenders not good enough by his own admission. Now an elder statesmen of his side and with a campaign that could go either way, it’s up to Muzzarelli to be the beacon Fremantle know he can be.

One to watch: Diego Florenca

There was a story in the U19 camp that the young target woke up each morning before school for a protein shake, a run and a work out. When asked about it, Diego shrugged and went back to training. Smart, disciplined and with talent to burn. The JSFL graduate has all the ingredients to thrive for Fremantle this season. With Rocha under a cloud and Rocchi at Stirling, these first few rounds could set the tone for his season.