Hawthorn prepares for Fremantle finals clash at Optus Stadium

Hawthorn is preparing to face Fremantle in a Thursday qualifying final at Optus Stadium, aiming to overcome the home team's perfect 12-0 record at the venue this season.

A key challenge for the Hawks is the “Wharfie Time” crowd activation used by the Dockers. This big-screen event features a boat in massive waves accompanied by the song “Hells Bells” and a dramatic heartbeat sound. During a round nine match earlier this season, the activation coincided with Fremantle kicking five consecutive goals to overturn a 19-point deficit and win by 15 points.

Hawthorn players Mitch Lewis and Massimo D'Ambrosio noted that the activation was initially disorienting and unexpected. However, the team maintains they are now better prepared to handle the environment and the crowd noise to secure a finals upset.