With a degree of difficulty I can stomach the poor on field season because, let's face it; we're Dockers fans so what that partly means is we've had plenty of practice at dealing with disappointment.

But never before have I been in a position where extreme mixed feelings are the result at the end of a game. In previous years when we have had Barry Crocker seasons we've been smashed on a weekly basis copping big margin hidings. The facts were we weren't good enough to win games consistently.

The difference today is we're actually good enough to easily be a top four side and while many scoffed at him, Mark Harvey was dead on the money with his "Dangerous Dockers" comment. We go into every game knowing that we're good enough to win and given the precarious position, regarding the immediate future, we're in at this point in time we're Dangerous Dockers in more ways than one. Dangerous, not only because we can win but also because we just might well win.

So now the season is over and I find myself cheering and barracking similar to the way the Freo boys have been playing all year. I desperately want the win for 70 of the 80 minutes but then the remaining 10 minutes is all about draft picks.

It makes me feel like that sell out stooge, obviously an Eagles supporter, on the sportsbet advertisement. His team loses and he's happy because he backed the opposition! I'd love to punch that clown in the face!

Not that I could ever bring myself to bet or tip against our Dockers but the relaxed, almost relieved feelings I am experiencing at the end of a Docker loss really isn't sitting well with me. It's disturbing and largely uncomfortable but given the nature of the next two years of AFL and the consequent importance of the upcoming draft, it's understandable.

We're the best bottom three team in the history of football, so for a side of Fremantle's calibre to be able to achieve such high draft picks is a rare, unique and lucrative opportunity. Despite proving it's been a season of missed opportunity, short term enjoyment from hollow wins from here on in satisfy the immediate term for the long suffering Docker supporter. Looking at the bigger picture and dealing with another six or seven painful weekends then, with the team we have combined with who we may be able to acquire, is the more sensible approach regardless if we like it or not.

The AFL created this draft model monster and, through their arrogance to save face in refusing to admit the system is flawed, we comply and play to its strengths and weaknesses. It makes you feel sick and uneasy contemplating and wishing that your team may not be going at 100% to win but, in what is such a cut throat competition, if you don't grab the opportunity with both hands your opponents will and they'll get a leg up over you.

I love the game but despise the powers that be who designed the system; the system which causes me to feel comfortable with my team getting rolled.

Damn you AFL people!