Fremantle have limped to the line in another forgettable AFL season but coach Ross Lyon can see growth in his AFL side.
The Dockers were 15-point losers against Essendon on Sunday at Etihad Stadium to round out their season.
It was their 10th loss in their final 13 matches, confirming 14th place in 2017 for the Western Australians.
It's an improvement on last year's 16th-placed finish but still a long way from where they want to be.
And that means change is coming to the Dockers.
"We need to get men of character in the door with talent and work hard and improve the system," Lyon said.
"It can be done. We'll do the work and we'll come again.
"From where we're are, we'll cut our list hard. The only constant thing in AFL football as someone told me is change.
"We need to leave no stone unturned. Continue to improve and grow and learn from this hard period."
Zac Dawson and Garrick Ibbotson have already announced their retirements.
Others will be shipped out as Lyon seeks improvement in 2018.
And Lyon wants to see more of some other players - including returning forward Harley Bennell.
Bennell helped the Dockers surge to within eight points of the Bombers in the final term.
"Gee whiz he was exciting at the end. I thought he had them on toast but we had to tap him out because of his physical parameters," he said.
"If he can do the work (in the off-season) we know we've got a top-flight player there."
Given the last two losses before the round 23 match were both by 104 points, Lyon hailed the improved display.
"Our fight and our willpower was really strong. We were right in the game," he said.
"Our backs ran, Our forwards presented. Some of our young players grew and our leaders stood up.
"I thought they displayed great character. Today counted. You can't just say today didn't count. It was pleasing."
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