Fremantle Dockers advance to 2026 AFL Grand Final

The Fremantle Dockers have secured a place in the 2026 AFL Grand Final following a significant comeback victory over Sydney in the preliminary final. The win follows a 27-point deficit at three-quarter time, a turnaround sparked by a long-range goal from Hayden Young.

Former Dockers player Hayden Ballantyne noted the club is “building a monster,” highlighting the team's youthful composition with many players under the age of 25. Key contributors in the recent finals series include Isaiah Dudley, Patrick Voss, Caleb Serong, Luke Jackson, and Andy Brayshaw.

Fremantle will face the back-to-back reigning premiers, Brisbane, at the MCG in search of their first premiership since their inaugural 1995 season. While the Dockers possess a relatively inexperienced list averaging 65.8 games, they face a seasoned Brisbane side that averages 88.6 games.