THE 2021 Draft can be overlooked when analysing the way Fremantle has built its Grand Final list, but in 2026 it has become one of the key touchpoints in the assembling of a deep and talented group.
Key forward Jye Amiss and midfielder Neil Erasmus and Matthew Johnson were secured as a WA trio with the Dockers' three selections in the top 21, while Victorian Karl Worner came through as a bargain rookie pick.
All will feature in Saturday's Grand Final, with Worner now a reliable and versatile pillar in defence, Amiss a spearhead in attack, and Erasmus and Johnson forming a partnership on the wings while adding depth to the midfield rotation.
As important as the Dockers' biggest stars have been in driving the club to its first Grand Final since 2013, the class of 2021 has been a draft hit and a key plank in one of the AFL's best modern list builds.
"It's pretty cool that we're all going to be out there together, and all WA boys as well. And then Karl Worner who came through the Rookie Draft that year as well," Erasmus said on Friday ahead of the Grand Final parade.
"We spent a big chunk of time earlier in 2022-23 when we weren't playing. We were all playing down at Mandurah and a couple of us played in a [WAFL] flag together.
"We all work very hard and I probably played a lot of footy with Karl down at Mandurah, and we always kept a positive attitude.
"We just knew that our list is very strong and it's going to take a lot of hard work to get in the team and we'll be ready once we get our opportunity. We've stuck together and we're very close mates as well."
Amiss played seven WAFL games with Peel Thunder in 2022 and quickly established himself in his second AFL season, booting 41 goals to ensure he has been a consistent presence ever since, playing his 97th AFL game on Saturday.
Johnson has played 80 games since breaking into the team in 2023, while Erasmus (65) and Worner (57) have needed to be more patient through the early stages of their careers. All, however, will be vital players on Saturday.
Amiss said he was excited for the opportunity to play in his first Grand Final, and he would embrace the chance while remaining focused on the job he needs to do as part of Fremantle three-pronged tall forward line.
Amiss, Pat Voss and Josh Treacy have combined for 11 goals in the Dockers' three finals, but Amiss said the trio had lost no faith or trust in each other after an excellent season that has seen them combine for 164 goals overall.
Erasmus said the midfield group would lean on its hard-working nature against the Lions and back their fitness to help them prevail at the MCG.
Building resilience through September had been valuable for the Dockers, who have gone the long way after losing to Hawthorn in a home qualifying final.
"Being one of two WA teams, there's a lot of pressure over in the west for one of the teams to perform or both to perform," he said.
"We can feel the weight of that sometimes, and I think the resilience we've shown over the finals series to probably not have a great performance in the first final and then come out and have two pretty solid performances is pretty good from a young group.
"That belief is definitely there and we're confident that we've got the fittest team in the comp."