Danielle Laidley’s end-of-season 2025 player ratings for Fremantle Dockers and West Coast Eagles: Part II

Danielle Laidley continues her countdown of Fremantle and West Coast’s best players from this season. See who ranks among Nos.42-28 below - and don’t forget to check out part one of the countdown here! 42. Isaiah Dudley (Fremantle): 5 The small forward has talent and football smarts, kicking 15.9 and adding 12 goal assists in 16 games. The biggest area of improvement will be his conditioning and fitness to stay in the game for longer in 2026. A big pre-season ahead. 41. Clay Hall (West Coast): 5.5 Played a few games early, but got a good run at it later in the campaign and played every game from round 16 in the midfield. He averaged 16.2 touches and nearly three clearances, being solid around the contest. Nearly three clangers a game is too much, and he needs to work outside the contest to penetrate the game. 40. Nathan O’Driscoll (Fremantle): 5.5 Started well in first four rounds, accumulating possessions on a wing and using his running ability. But an injury blow set him back and he was unable to recapture his early-season form when he returned to the side. Can run and penetrate the game, with an average of three inside-50s a game. Has the ability to turn the ball over at times. 39. Harry Edwards (West Coast): 5.5 Slowly worked into the season, then took his game to the next level, becoming an important cog in the West Coast defence. His intercept play - averaging 5.1 intercept possessions per game - became a strength. His rebound game also took a big step forward. 38. Jamie Cripps (West Coast): 5.5 Chipped away for the entire season, playing 21 games and kicking 24.13 with 12 goal assists. Had some inconsistencies during the year, more due to West Coast’s lack of inside-50s. Consistently showed intent to work hard. 37. Bailey Banfield (Fremantle): 5.5 Inconsistent season as a small forward, struggling to hit he scoreboard. Took his opportunity as a rebounding defender because of injury and played much more consistently in that role. With tough competition for half-backs as Judd McVee comes in and Cooper Simpson returns from injury, does he return to playing forward? 36. Liam Duggan (West Coast): 5.5 Started the season well below par with his intent. Turned that around and played with his usual vigour. Averaged over 20 possessions and penetrated, averaging 5.6 rebounds and 2.9 inside-50s. Inconsistent with his ball use, averaging three clangers a game. 35. Heath Chapman (Fremantle): 5.5 Got some big jobs during the season and defended well. Was just off with his ball winning ability in 2025 compared to the level of the previous year. When he’s running and rebounding using the ball and penetrating, he’s a dangerous player. 34. Tom Cole (West Coast): 5.5 Never question his intent or endeavour the way he plays. Featured in 18 games and scraps all day, averaging three tackles a game. Can let himself down with his skill execution coming out of defence. 33. Sean Darcy (Fremantle): 5.5 Slow start after a bad injury setback in pre-season. Was solid in the ruck early, but found his mojo with Luke Jackson from round 16. Will be pivotal getting his body right for 2026 for Fremantle to progress up the ladder. 32. Elijah Hewett (West Coast): 5.5 After missing all of 2024, he played 20 games in 2025, and was thrust into a midfield / forward role to become an important player for the team with his class. Averaged 16.2 touches a game, more than three clearances, and kicked 10.1. Was a little inconsistent during games, but will come with a bullet in 2026. 31. Matt Flynn (West Coast): 5.5 18 games a huge improvement on 2024. Had some solid games, but still too many games where the contest and fight in the ruck is below par. At 28, he’s coming into his prime as a ruckman, and could have a big role to play with an improved midfield in 2026. 30. Karl Worner (Fremantle): 6 Made some real gains, playing 23 games at half back. More than solid as a defender, showing plenty of courage over the season. As his confidence grew, he provided more run and rebound. Can take his game to the next level in 2026. 29. Ryan Maric (West Coast): 6 Another big step forward in 2025, playing mostly wing and defence. Won plenty of the ball and was penetrating, averaging 20 possessions and four rebounds per game. For a good kick, he turns the ball over far too often, and his defensive skills need to improve. 28. Neil Erasmus (Fremantle): 6 Had to fight to win and keep his position in the team. Kept improving all year, going to another level with his last six games - including Freo’s elimination final. Added another string to his bow playing on a wing. Has committed to the club and will be a pivotal player in 2026 for the Dockers to climb the ladder.