Training return: A group of first-to-fourth-year players who did not play WAFL finals will start their pre-season on November 6. Other young players in that bracket who did play on with Peel Thunder will return on November 13. The rest of the squad will be back in training on November 20.

Injury list: Fremantle were able to send a number of players in for early surgeries, meaning they will be back for day one of the pre-season. Connor Blakely (dislocated shoulder), Ed Langdon (knee) and Brady Grey (hamstring) were all in this boat, finishing the season early to seek treatment. Alex Pearce progressed well in his recovery from a broken leg and had a big off-season program planned.   

Draft picks: 2, 5, 42, 60, 66, 71, 79, 83, 97

Arrived: Nathan Wilson, Brandon Matera

Departed: Harley Balic (trade), Zac Clarke (delisted), Sam Collins (delisted), Hayden Crozier (trade), Zac Dawson (retired), Josh Deluca (delisted), Jonathon Griffin (delisted), Garrick Ibbotson (retired), Nick Suban (delisted), Matthew Uebergang (delisted), Lachie Weller (trade), Shane Yarran (retired)

Major off-field moves: Stoppages coordinator Mark Stone did not seek a new contract. Tendai Mzungu has returned as the inaugural coach of the club's Next Generation Academy. University professor Colleen Hayward AM joined the board, while Peter Bell was ratified for a second full term. 

Round one: Port Adelaide, Adelaide Oval, Saturday, March 24, 4:05pm

We say: The list management group, led by Brad Lloyd, turned a potential disaster into a big win for the club when Lachie Weller requested a trade to Gold Coast. Freo landed pick No.2 in that deal and it's now up to the club to nail its first two picks at No.2 and No.5 in the NAB AFL Draft. The fixture was a mixed bag, with a bonus home game and four of six matches to start the season at Perth Stadium. A difficult run of opponents in the first two months, however, looms as a big mountain to climb for a young group in 2018.

Connor Blakely suffered a dislocated shoulder late in the season. Picture: AFL Photos