Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is backing Nat Fyfe and Michael Walters to play on next year, and he's confident Sean Darcy can get on top of his injury concerns.
The Dockers' season of promise ended in devastating fashion on Sunday when their 13.9 (87) to 9.13 (67) loss against Port Adelaide consigned them to 10th spot.
A win would have been enough to secure finals action, but the result summed up Fremantle's season - competitive throughout but lacking the killer punch when needed.
Out of the eight games decided by 13 points or less, Fremantle only won one of them.
Against Port on Sunday, Fremantle were within two points halfway through the final quarter before conceding the final three goals of the match.
Longmuir said his team's inability to execute under pressure against the best sides was the reason they missed finals.
Late-season injuries to Alex Pearce (arm), Josh Treacy (knee) and Darcy (knee) also hurt their cause as the Dockers tumbled from third to 10th.
Darcy managed just 12 games this year on the back of 15 the season before.
The 26-year-old, who is contracted until 2030, may need surgery to fix his latest knee issue.
But Longmuir feels the 203cm ruckman will be able to get his body right and have a big impact in 2025 and beyond.
"I'm really confident he can get his body right, get his fitness right, and play a lot of footy for us," Longmuir said.
"So long-term, I don't have any real concerns.
"I think (Liam) Reidy really applied himself well the last couple of weeks, and if he can keep working on his craft, we've got a really strong back up there."
Fyfe and Walters are both contracted for next year.
Although Fyfe managed 22 games this year - the equal most of his career - he is now a fringe member of the midfield rather than the star who won two Brownlow medals.
Concerns over Fyfe's kicking have also been a common theme this year, but his big body in the clearances is still considered a weapon.
Walters managed just 17 goals in 17 games this year, and was twice cut down by hamstring injuries in the second half of the season.
"They're contracted for next year," Longmuir replied when asked about the futures of Walters and Fyfe.
"Fyfe has played a lot of footy for us, and I think he's played a really important role for us.
"Sonny's had his injury interruptions the second half of the year.
"I think when they've been fully fit they've impacted the team this year, and I don't see any reason why they couldn't do it next year."
Fremantle will now turn their attention to luring a key X-factor player who could help push the side to premiership glory.
Sydney star Chad Warner and Richmond speedster Shai Bolton have both been heavily linked to the Dockers.
Warner is contracted with the Swans until the end of 2025, while Bolton is contracted until 2028.
It's understood Bolton has indicated his desire to return home to WA, but Warner could be harder to pry out from flag contenders Sydney despite his links to WA.
