Newly appointed Fremantle development coach David Hale believes the club’s game plan won’t need a massive overhaul heading into the 2016 season after making it’s fourth straight finals series.

“They’ve been around the mark the last few years, hopefully it’s just a few concepts and ideas we can bring in,” he said.

“A lot of the fundamentals they do pretty well, so it’s just tinkering with a few things here and there.

“In the end they were three or four goals short of a grand final spot last year so there’s not a lot they need to change.”

The three-time premiership player retired from Hawthorn following this year’s AFL Grand Final to join Fremantle's coaching staff but said he’s still on good terms with his former teammates.

“I’ve spent five years there and won three flags so it’s always something you’re going to hold onto pretty close,” he said.

“Life moves on pretty quickly so now you become the enemy.

“When the opportunity came up to work under Ross was something I was keen to go to.”

Fremantle coaching structure 2016

Taking on a development and specialist role at the playing group, Hale said his decision to move into coaching was an easy decision.

“The opportunity to come straight out of the game and be able to go into a club that’s been around the mark the last few years is something that appealed to me,” he said.

“The decision was made pretty quickly but it’s something I’m enjoying so far.

“It’s been good to get in and get to know all the players and the coaching staff and try to settle into life over here.”

Hale said the development of ruckman Jon Griffin could lead to him playing a similar role to his whilst he was at Hawthorn.

“Rucks need to be able to go forward these days and kick goals,” he said.

“He showed last year with his contested marking that he’s able to do that role.

“Hopefully we can continue to grow him.”