Emerging Adelaide utility Mitch McGovern is looming large in West Coast and Fremantle recruiting sights before a football has even been kicked in anger in a new AFL premiership race.

The gifted follower is originally from the Peel Thunder club, but is believed to have not contemplated staying at his home outfit and reigning WAFL premiers with the continued alignment with the Dockers.

A midfielder nicknamed "Juddy" has been appointed captain of Fremantle for their inaugural AFLW season, with Kara Donnellan handed the responsibility of spearheading the franchise's premiership hopes.

After a disappointing 2016 marred by injury and poor form Freo coach Ross Lyon has lay down the law expecting his players to step up in their preparation for 2017. 

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Mystery surrounds an expletive-laden social media rant, aimed at Fremantle and attributed to their former player Shane Yarran.

The Dockers released a statement on Monday evening announcing the double WAFL premiership player was to retire in a mutual decision just one year after joining the club.

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon denies the club's culture has been eroded by a series of off-field incidents, but says he's not in a position to speculate on the AFL futures of Michael Johnson and Shane Yarran.

Fremantle skipper David Mundy insists it's too early to "pull the trigger" on Shane Yarran and Michael Johnson, saying the leadership group can't dish out any punishment until the duo's court cases are conducted.

Ex-Fremantle Docker Colin Sylvia is in hospital with serious head and neck injuries after falling from a balcony in Melbourne.

Round 1

There are reports that star Fremantle import Harley Bennell's car has been impounded by police after he was caught driving without a licence, adding yet another off-feld distraction to the crucial Docker's off-season rebuilding.

He's only been a Docker for two weeks but draftee Griffin Logue has already made a big impression with the club signing him to a one-year contract extension.

The AFL career of Fremantle forward Shane Yarran could be over after he was charged with unlawful wounding over an incident from last year.

Fremantle Dockers player Shane Yarran has appeared in a Perth court charged over an assault allegedly involving a family member.

Fyfe was part of a record pack of 135 kitesurfers from Australia and overseas who lapped up what were described by race organisers as perfect kiteboarding conditions with winds of up to 24 knots.

With the draft period over, Emma Quayle and Michael Gleeson assess each club's playing stocks and forecast the impact in 2017 - positive, negative or unchanged.

Emma Quayle runs the rule over each AFL club's new cohort of young talent.

Recently retired Fremantle champion and AFL Players' Association president Matthew Pavlich has penned a powerful and compelling open letter to the 2016 AFL draft class.

Our crack (pot) panel runs the rule over West Coast and Fremantle's draft prospects, while we also look at the experts' predictions.