Fremantle Dockers forward Josh Treacy has spoken candidly about the gut-wrenching moment that sealed his team's fate in the 2024 AFL finals series, admitting the memory still stings weeks later.
The Crucial Moment That Ended Fremantle's Season
The Dockers' promising season came to a sudden halt in a thrilling elimination final against the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium. The match was ultimately decided in the dying seconds when Gold Coast Suns-turned-Bulldog Mac Andrew marked and goaled to put his new team in front by a single point.
For Treacy, the pain is amplified by his role in the pivotal play. Stationed in the ruck for the final centre bounce after Sean Darcy was ruled out with a late ankle injury, the 21-year-old found himself out of position when the ball spilled from the contest. Andrew, his direct opponent, drifted forward unchecked and was in the perfect spot to take the match-winning mark.
"I was in the ruck and the ball just got out the back," Treacy explained, recounting the sequence. "I was probably a little bit out of position and he just got the jump on me. He's a good player, Mac. He took a good mark and kicked a good goal."
A Learning Experience for a Young Leader
Despite the raw emotion, Treacy is using the experience as a harsh but valuable lesson. He acknowledges that in such high-pressure scenarios, every player must be accountable for their role, especially a key position player like himself.
"It's just one of those things," he said. "It's a tough way to lose, but it's a learning experience. You've got to take the good with the bad. It's going to sit with me for a little bit, but you've got to move on."
The young forward's maturity has been noted by the club, with coach Justin Longmuir praising his development throughout a breakout season where he kicked 44 goals. Treacy's honesty in dissecting his own mistake reflects the growing leadership within Fremantle's emerging core.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The narrow finals defeat has only sharpened the focus for Treacy and the Dockers heading into the off-season. The club believes it has the talent and the system to challenge again next year, and moments like the elimination final finish provide powerful motivation.
"We're all hurting," Treacy admitted, speaking for the playing group. "But that's footy. We'll get back to work, we'll train hard, and we'll be better for it next year. That's the aim."
The club has already begun its review process, with every player, including Treacy, undergoing exit meetings. The focus will now shift to pre-season training, where the lessons from a heartbreaking September exit will be front of mind as Fremantle plots its path to going deeper in the 2025 AFL finals.
