Fremantle haven’t finished in the AFL’s top four for more than a decade - but recently retired Docker Michael Walters has declared that drought will end this season.

Not since the club finished as minor premiers in 2015 have Freo earned the double-chance in the opening week of finals.

Walters - the Dockers’ leading goalkicker from that campaign - said the growth of the squad’s young players would help fuel the hunger to rise as a legitimate contender this season.

“There’s a lot of young leaders, a lot of quality young players coming through. I think they’re top four,” Walters said of Fremantle on 92.9 Triple M.

“Their work ethic... I’ve seen it first-hand what they are capable of, and also how they prep for games and training.

“Top four. I think they can do it.”

The Dockers have finished in the top four in just three seasons in Walters’ time at the club, with seedings of third, fourth and first in consecutive years under Ross Lyon between 2013 and 2015.

Fremantle won their first game of each of those campaigns, adding an extra element of historical importance to Saturday’s daunting road assignment against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.

Walters backed Murphy Reid to climb to an even higher level in 2026 off the back of a stunning debut year that saw him earn Rising Star honours.

“Last year was a breakout, but you can only get even better, being that guy,” said Walters, who will be a part of Seven’s WA commentary team this year.