Essendon James Hird has claimed that Fremantle should aim to be in the top four next year after losing their elimination final on the weekend.
The Dockers lost by a point to Gold Coast at Optus Stadium on Saturday night, losing (12.7) 79 to (11.14) 80.
Speaking on Nine’s Footy Furnace, Hird said the Dockers' list is good enough to be in the top four teams next year.
“I think they have to be top four next year with their list and the way they've had the final this year and the performances against the best teams in the competition, I've really gotten locked in that top four next year,” Hird said.
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“I think making the final and actually going close, I think is is neither a success or a failure, but it's what they do next year for me. I think next year they've really got to send themselves into the top four”
Hird explained that Fremantle should have taken the game on more against the Suns on the weekend, especially when they gave up seven goals in the second quarter.
“You would, but you gotta take the game on. You can't just let the game go for a quarter and a half and not take it on,” Hird said.
“That's the thing that you look at Collingwood, the way they took the game and look at the Hawks, the way they took the game on, look at Geelong, the way they took the game on. That's the mindset you have to have.”
Hird also said Fremantle fans should look forward to what is to come next year after coming close to a finals win this year.
“I'd been very excited if I were a Docker supporter… I would be, I just think there’s almost everything there to have a real crack,” he said.