BY PETER ROWE
“We underperformed and failed this year.”
The honest words of Fremantle’s player-coach Duane Butler.
And for a team that made grand finals in 2024 and 2023, those words ring true.
“To fall at the elimination finals is not good for a club like ours,” Butler conceded.
Photo – Total Sports Photography
“It took us a while to get our season started and we had a good run at the end but fell short.
“Against Willagee in that elimination final it was so disappointing. They jumped us from the start of the game and we couldn’t get into the grind.
“We got into the game immediately after halftime but couldn’t match them, so that was our season over.”
Butler admitted he had no intention of coaching at the beginning of the year and really didn’t want the job, but he was persuaded by teammates to put his hand up.
“It was a steep learning curve,” he said. “A lot of new guys coming into the club – I think we had the most debutants in a season we’ve ever had.
“We struggled with FIFO players and then injuries. “I’ve never seen so many injuries at the club.”
Photo – Carmel Potter-Green
At the end the team didn’t, and as a result of so many changes, really gel and lost its cohesion.
But for Butler, despite his obvious disappointment, there were highlights throughout the year.
“Bringing in new faces and getting teams into finals in 3 grades was a personal highlight for me,” he said.
“There were fringe players who didn’t think they were right for first grade that got a chance and we instilled confidence in our youngsters.
“For me it was all about club culture and having a common goal. Putting aside egos and ensuring the club was and is bigger than any individual.”
The lowlights speak for themselves, Butler admitted. “Not having a regular full squad to pick from and underperforming in front of our home crowd. That hurt a lot.
“That elimination final and 18-0 down at halftime – a coach killer.”
Photo – Liam Sallur
So all in all, a disappointing season for the rookie coach. One he would probably prefer to forget, but one that made him stronger.
“I think we all learned a lot about each other and our football to take us forward in better shape next year,” he said.
For Butler, the two best on the field across the league were Samisoni Langi at South Perth and Wllagee’s Kainoa Gudgeon.
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Photos – Carmel Potter-Green
“They both had great seasons and deserved the awards they won,” Butler said before giving thoughts on others who stood out across the 2025 season.
“I really liked Willagee’s young lock Rangi Thompson, small stature but tackled and gave his all.
“The Rockingham juniors grew up so fast and will be better for it in 2026. They pushed us in every game. Weylan Antonelli, their young forward was a beast.”
Photo – Libby McMillan
And Fremantle … who stood out for the coach?
“Can’t go past Eli Beattie. He had a tremendous season.”
Beattie won the player of the year award at the Roosters presentation last weekend.
“Richie Hicks was always there, always at training and always willing. Kerrod Hignett is another you’d want in your team. He puts in so much. And others I can mention include Jahkayis Mabbett, a great young Kiwi, Jaydon Solomon and Te Toa Parkinson who was always safe under the high ball.”
Photo – Total Sports Photography
With a few 17s coming through Butler believes the future is good but he has one laughable moment he wanted to share and it revolved around Kerrod Hignett and his calves.
“Kerrod often had a cramp issue and when he did he was like a man possessed. It probably hurt but we all saw the funny side of it and nicknamed him ‘pickle juice’.
“And when Tuakana ( Rangihaeata) got sent off early in the season and his reaction, that got us laughing as well. I’ll say no more.”
Delane Edwards has always been there to help Butler and still holds a great deal of influence.
The veteran star often took the heat away from Butler and encouraged players to do better.
“Del makes it look so easy, when it isn’t,” Butler admitted.
Photo – Carmel Potter-Green
Like so many coaches the Grrr… moment came when the cold and wet weather arrived. “Only 10 at training, that’s always disappointing for any coach.
“And then leading South Perth by 12 before losing the game. The same at Willagee, winning with 10 to and falling away. Those are real shake your head and wonder moments.”
In hindsight, Butler believes he should have built a support team around him, recognising how difficult it is to both coach and play.
“I didn’t really know hard it is to both coach and play,” he admitted.
And looking forward to 2026, what are his thoughts?
“The club is already planning for next season recruiting and bringing juniors up.
“Sony (Kerr) and Jules (Wilson-Wyllie) have said they are ready to go again and it will be 100 games for Ezra (Taomia) next season as well. If we can learn to manage the FIFO players better that will be a big plus.”
Photo – Carmel Potter-Green
Butler hasn’t made his mind up on coaching in 2026. He wants time off to recharge and refresh over summer.
“I saw Taurean Sheehan said ask him in March. I get that completely,” he mused, adding he wanted to finish his electrician’s apprenticeship and recover from the injuries he had incurred across the season.
For Fremantle it has been a disappointing season by their high standards, but with quality like Duane Butler there to lead them on the field the future will always be promising.
Next up: North Beach Sea Eagles
Photo – Carmel Potter-Green