Former West Coast coach Adam Simpson believes Fremantle can recover from their poor start as the fallout continues from their 78-point Geelong drubbing.
The Dockers were widely tipped to be one of the top contenders in the AFL this season, but their round one performance has raised serious doubts about their ability to compete with the best teams in the league.
Despite the disappointing loss, Simpson remains optimistic about Fremantle's chances of turning their season around, citing the team's strong roster and the experience of their coaching staff.
However, not everyone is as confident as Simpson, with former player David King blasting Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir over his team's lackluster performance.
King was particularly critical of Longmuir's game plan, suggesting that the coach had failed to prepare his team adequately for the match against Geelong.
The loss has sparked a heated debate about Fremantle's prospects for the rest of the season, with some pundits predicting that the team will struggle to make the finals.
But Simpson is adamant that the Dockers have the talent and the depth to bounce back from their round one loss and make a serious push for the premiership.
He pointed to the team's strong recruiting efforts in the off-season, which saw them bring in several high-profile players, including a key forward and a experienced midfielder.
Simpson also praised the team's young players, who he believes have the potential to make a significant impact on the league this season.
Despite the positive outlook, the Dockers will need to improve significantly if they are to compete with the top teams in the league.
Fremantle fans will be hoping that their team can bounce back from their round one loss and make a strong push for the finals.
The team has a loyal and dedicated fan base, and they will be eager to see their team succeed after a disappointing start to the season.