Fremantle prepares to host Hawthorn in AFL qualifying final

Fremantle prepares to host Hawthorn in a Thursday night AFL qualifying final at Optus Stadium, with a sold-out crowd of nearly 60,000 fans expected. The Dockers enter the match as minor premiers with a perfect 12-0 record at their home venue this season.

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is emphasizing a “1-0” mantra to help players manage the high expectations and the potential for a premiership run. While the club has yet to win a flag in its 32-year history, the current form has generated significant fan excitement. The Dockers will welcome back Murphy Reid, Jye Amiss, Heath Chapman, and Sam Switkowski, though defender Brennan Cox is sidelined with a calf injury.

Hawthorn, led by coach Sam Mitchell, seeks to become the first team to defeat Fremantle at Optus Stadium this year. The Hawks regain small forward Jack Ginnivan for the clash. Notably, Hawthorn player Max Beattie, who was previously overlooked by Fremantle, will face his former club after being selected in the 2026 Mid-Season Rookie Draft and recently signing a one-year extension.