Fremantle's hopes for a first flag dimmed as Hawthorn outplays them at Optus Stadium
Category: Local News
On September 3, 2026, Fremantle's aspirations for their first AFL premiership were dealt a crushing blow as they were thoroughly outplayed by Hawthorn in the qualifying final at Optus Stadium. The Dockers, who finished the home-and-away season as minor premiers, were unable to capitalize on their home advantage, losing the match decisively.
Fremantle entered the finals with high hopes, having secured a club record 19 victories during the season, including a remarkable 14-match winning streak from rounds two to 16. Coach Justin Longmuir's side had not dropped a home game all season, making their defeat all the more surprising. Hawthorn, on the other hand, finished fourth on the ladder and secured a double chance for the first time since 2018, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter.
The match kicked off at 5:10 AM ET, with Fremantle facing a formidable opponent in Hawthorn, who had shown resilience throughout the season. In a previous meeting during the home-and-away campaign, Fremantle had staged a remarkable comeback against Hawthorn, winning after being 19 points down. This time, the Dockers were unable to replicate that magic.
Jordan Clark, playing in his 150th AFL game, emerged as Fremantle's best player, demonstrating exceptional skill and determination. He was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing performance, providing valuable drive from the backline. His efforts, rated at 8/10, highlighted his importance to the team. "He’s played a blinder and now the mark to lift the roof," Fox Footy commentator Matt Hill remarked, acknowledging Clark's impact on the match.
Fremantle's struggles were evident from the outset. They faced a relentless Hawthorn side that capitalized on their mistakes and maintained a strong defensive presence. The Dockers' midfield, which had been a strength throughout the season, failed to exert the same influence in this match. Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw, key midfielders for Fremantle, received low ratings of 4/10 and 6/10, respectively, indicating their inability to match the intensity required in a finals match.
Meanwhile, Hawthorn showcased their prowess, with key players like Jack Gunston and James Sicily leading the charge. Gunston, who had previously tormented the Dockers, continued to be a thorn in their side, scoring early and contributing significantly to the Hawks' dominance. Sicily, in a standout defensive performance, was instrumental in nullifying Fremantle's attacking threats.
Fremantle's season had been marked by consistency and resilience, culminating in their second minor premiership. Their record-breaking 19 wins included a remarkable stretch where they did not lose a single home game. The Dockers had entered the finals with confidence, buoyed by a talented roster that included five All-Australians, and the return of Murphy Reid from injury added to their optimism.
Hawthorn, under the guidance of coach Sam Mitchell, had shown a resurgence this season, finishing in the top four and ending their campaign with a win against the Eagles. Their path to the finals had not been without challenges, including a loss and a draw in their last three matches, but they managed to rally in their final game, setting the stage for their impressive performance against Fremantle.
The previous encounter between these two teams had been a thrilling affair, with Fremantle coming back from a 22-point deficit to secure a narrow victory. This history added an extra layer of anticipation to the qualifying final, with fans hoping for another nail-biter. Instead, they witnessed Hawthorn's commanding performance, which left Fremantle scrambling to regain their footing.
As Fremantle reflects on their disappointing exit from the finals, questions loom about their ability to bounce back in future seasons. With a talented roster and a strong coaching staff, there is potential for growth, but they will need to address the shortcomings displayed in the qualifying final. The Dockers will likely focus on strengthening their midfield and defensive strategies to avoid similar pitfalls in upcoming campaigns.
On the other hand, Hawthorn's victory propels them into the next round of the finals, where they will seek to build on their momentum. Their performance against Fremantle has established them as a formidable contender in the finals series, and they will look to capitalize on this success as they aim for the ultimate prize—a premiership.
With the AFL finals series underway, fans can expect more thrilling matches as teams vie for glory. The Dockers will need to regroup and strategize for next season, learning from their experiences in this year's finals. The focus now shifts to Hawthorn, who will look to continue their impressive form in the next round of the playoffs.
As the dust settles on this highly anticipated qualifying final, the AFL community is left to ponder what lies ahead for both Fremantle and Hawthorn. Will Fremantle rise from this setback, and can Hawthorn maintain their winning streak? as the finals series progresses!