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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE]
41 clusters · 53 sources · 99 days · First seen · Last updated
Categories: SPORTS
2026 AFL season: Fremantle streak, Essendon slump
Entities: Dean Solomon · James Hird · Daniel McPherson · Mark McVeigh · Essendon Football Club
Overview
Fremantle continued its dominant run into mid‑July, improving to 15‑2 and sitting two wins clear of second‑placed Sydney. A 38‑point victory over the Swans at a sold‑out Optus Stadium and a string of sell‑out crowds under the “Flagmantle” banner have the club on the brink of a second minor premiership – the first since 2015 – while raising $4 million for the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Midfielder Caleb Serong praised the team’s camaraderie, and forward Shai Bolton was rated the league’s top fourth‑quarter performer, though Longmuir rested him for a week due to a minor hand niggle, with Hayden Young stepping in. The coach also warned ruckman Sean Darcy that he must improve his athletic profile to regain his spot after a knee injury.
The Dockers’ next fixtures include Port Adelaide, West Coast, the Western Bulldogs, Melbourne, Adelaide and Carlton as they aim to lock a top‑two berth.
Elsewhere, Essendon’s interim coach Dean Solomon remains enthusiastic despite the Bombers’ 1‑15 record and looming wooden‑spoon finish. The club is expected to interview former coach Kevin Hird and consider candidates such as John Longmire, while Solomon says he will stay regardless of the outcome. The Bombers head to the Gabba to face reigning premiers Brisbane.
Hawthorn’s Sam Mitchell dismissed external coaching offers and pushed for a list‑size overhaul ahead of Tasmania’s 2028 entry, while Collingwood and Hawthorn welcomed returning captains and the Western Bulldogs continue to battle injuries.
Timeline
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5 days ago
[SPORTS] 3 sourcesDean Solomon to discuss full‑time Essendon coaching roleEssendon caretaker Dean Solomon will hold a formal meeting next week about the full‑time coaching job, as the club narrows its shortlist to four external candidates and seeks a new football manager.
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19 days ago
[SPORTS] 2 sourcesShai Bolton’s clutch play and injury news keep Fremantle Dockers atop AFL ladderShai Bolton, the AFL’s best fourth‑quarter player, helped Fremantle stay on top of the ladder but was rested with a minor hand injury, while coach Justin Longmuir urged ruckman Sean Darcy to boost his athletic‑
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20 days ago
[SPORTS] 3 sourcesFremantle Dockers Near Second Minor Premiership as Fans Embrace 'FlagmantleFremantle Dockers sit atop the AFL ladder, two wins clear, poised for a second minor premiership as fans rally under “Flagmantle” and the club raises $4 million for charity.
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26 days ago
[SPORTS] 3 sourcesEssendon interim coach Dean Solomon says he loves the role amid club's losing streakEssendon interim coach Dean Solomon says he loves the job despite a 1‑15 record, heavy defeats and a likely wooden spoon, while the club evaluates permanent coaching options.
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about 1 month ago
[SPORTS] 2 sourcesWestern Australia AFL fans urged to back Fremantle over West CoastA former Eagles fan called for supporters to back the Dockers, triggering over 2,000 online reactions and recalling local player ties and past premiership connections.
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about 1 month ago
[SPORTS] 2 sourcesDean Solomon anticipates interview in Essendon coaching raceEssendon interim coach Dean Solomon expects a forthcoming interview for the senior role, while the club prepares to interview 10‑15 candidates, including James Hidd.
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about 1 month ago
[SPORTS] 2 sourcesFremantle Dockers extend AFL winning streak to 14 games, Cox hailed as underrated defenderFremantle Dockers beat Gold Coast by 51 points, extending their AFL winning streak to 14; coach lauds defender Brennan Cox and returning ruckman Sean Darcy.
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about 1 month ago
[SPORTS] 9 sourcesFremantle Dockers extend winning streak to 14 with dominant win over Gold Coast SunsFremantle Dockers beat Gold Coast Suns 80‑29 at Optus Stadium on June 28, 2026, extending their winning streak to 14 and moving clear atop the AFL ladder; the Suns suffered their fifth straight loss.
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about 1 month ago
[SPORTS] 2 sourcesLuke Jackson drives Fremantle Dockers into Gold Coast showdownLuke Jackson’s dominant form fuels Fremantle’s 13‑match streak as they prepare to meet Gold Coast, with All‑Australian hopes and a chance for revenge after last year’s narrow final loss.
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about 1 month ago
[SPORTS] 3 sourcesFremantle forward Patrick Voss leads Dockers to revenge bid against Gold CoastPatrick Voss’s hot form helps Fremantle chase revenge over Gold Coast Suns in a high‑stakes AFL grudge match.
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about 1 month ago
[SPORTS] 6 sourcesHawthorn coach Sam Mitchell rejects coaching rumours and proposes AFL list overhaulHawthorn coach Sam Mitchell says he is happy at the club, dismisses coaching rumours, and proposes AFL list size reforms with no maximum.
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about 2 months ago
[SPORTS] 4 sourcesFremantle Dockers extend winning streak to 13 with comeback win over GeelongFremantle rally from 28 points down to beat Geelong 99‑90, extending their AFL winning streak to 13 and staying atop the ladder.
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about 2 months ago
[SPORTS] 2 sourcesEssendon interim coach Dean Solomon rules out permanent role amid coaching sagaInterim Essendon coach Dean Solomon says he’s not pursuing a permanent role, has not spoken with president Andrew Welsh, and is focusing on the team as the Bombers slide to a 1‑13 record.
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about 2 months ago
[SPORTS] 2 sourcesEssendon Bombers Seek to Boost Nate Caddy Amid Ball Movement WoesEssendon interim coach Dean Solomon urges better ball movement to help forward Nate Caddy as the Bombers languish bottom of the AFL ladder.
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about 2 months ago
[SPORTS] 2 sourcesNorth Melbourne imposes media blackout after 124‑point defeat to FremantleNorth Melbourne blocked media after a 124‑point loss to Fremantle, with coach Alastry Clarkson calling the display dreadful and urging the team to regroup in WA.
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about 2 months ago
[SPORTS] 3 sourcesFremantle Dockers record 124-point win at Bunbury's Hands OvalFremantle Dockers beat North Melbourne by 124 points at Bunbury's Hands Oval, the club’s biggest win, in front of a record 13,331 fans; venue upgrades funded by state and federal money highlighted the region’s
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about 2 months ago
[SPORTS] 2 sourcesWestern Bulldogs defeat Hawthorn after second‑half collapseHawthorn’s 27‑point halftime lead unraveled as the Western Bulldogs rallied to win 77‑71, while AFL chief Andrew Dillon condemned post‑match online racism toward Michael Sellwood.
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about 2 months ago
[SPORTS] 3 sourcesBrisbane teams' losing streak deepens across AFL and NRLBrisbane Lions and Broncos both endure losing streaks; Lions sit 6‑6 before a Q‑clash, Broncos lose fifth straight to Gold Coast Titans amid injuries.
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2 months ago
[SPORTS] 2 sourcesHawthorn coach Sam Mitchell urges focus ahead of clash with Western BulldogsHawthorn coach Sam Mitchell urges the team to focus on beating the Western Bulldogs, downplaying the upcoming bye and highlighting key players and injuries.
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2 months ago
[SPORTS] 2 sourcesEssendon given toughest AFL run home as interim coach Dean Solomon startsEssendon faces the toughest remaining AFL schedule under interim coach Dean Solomon, who started with a loss to West Coast. Potential coaching candidates include James Hird and John Longmire.
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2 months ago
[SPORTS] 6 sourcesFremantle Dockers seek to stay leaders while Brisbane Lions reboundFremantle Dockers chase a tenth straight win as Brisbane Lions aim to bounce back from a record 14‑goal quarter, with both clubs dealing with key injuries ahead of their Gabba clash.
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2 months ago
[SPORTS] 12 sourcesEssendon Football Club sacks coach Brad Scott after disastrous startEssendon sacked coach Brad Scott after a poor start, appointing Dean Solomon as interim. Players, led by Zach Merrett, stress accountability, while James Hird is touted as a possible successor.
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2 months ago
[SPORTS] 2 sourcesWestern Bulldogs beat Melbourne Demons 93‑90 in a dramatic finishWestern Bulldogs edged Melbourne Demons 93‑90 after Joel Freijah’s late goal; Harvey Langford’s dropped mark proved crucial.
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2 months ago
[SPORTS] 2 sourcesWestern Bulldogs secure three‑point victory over Melbourne with late heroicsWestern Bulldogs beat Melbourne by three points on 24 May 2026 after a late turnover and Freijah’s winning kick.
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2 months ago
[SPORTS] 2 sourcesEssendon coach Brad Scott under pressure as Bombers sit last on AFL ladderEssendon sits last on the AFL ladder after a heavy loss to Richmond, with 18 injuries including captain Andrew McGrath's broken jaw. Coach Brad Scott faces pressure as identity questions rise.
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3 months ago
[SPORTS] 2 sourcesEssendon defender Mason Redman backs coach after poor start, eyes Dreamtime clashEssendon’s Mason Redman defends coach after a poor start, urging a bounce‑back in the Dreamtime clash versus Richmond.
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3 months ago
[SPORTS] 5 sourcesAFL ends Hawthorn’s Launceston games as Tasmania Devils set to join leagueThe AFL will stop Hawthorn hosting games in Launceston after 2027, shifting focus to the new Tasmania Devils from 2028.
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3 months ago
[SPORTS] 2 sourcesMelbourne Demons Embrace Unburdened Play Under Coach Steven KingMelbourne Demons, under Steven King, shift to a freer attacking style, posting seven wins in ten games after key player trades.
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3 months ago
[SPORTS] 4 sourcesEssendon Bombers stumble with heavy defeat, low crowd and mounting coach criticismEssendon’s heavy loss, record low crowd and coach Brad Scott face criticism; trade talk swirls around midfielder Zach Merrett.
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3 months ago
[SPORTS] 5 sourcesNorth Melbourne captain Nick Larkey condemns team's heavy loss to Melbourne DemonsNick Larkey calls North Melbourne's loss to the Demons a horror show; Hawks also need work.
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3 months ago
[SPORTS] 3 sourcesNorth Melbourne's finals hopes hit after 68-point defeat by Adelaide CrowsNorth Melbourne fell to Adelaide Crows 133-65, a 68-point loss that derailed their finals bid for 2026.
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3 months ago
[SPORTS] 2 sourcesMelbourne Demons defeat Hawthorn Hawks in tight MCG battleMelbourne Demons and Hawthorn Hawks tied at halftime before the Demons edged a close AFL game at the MCG.
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3 months ago
[SPORTS] 2 sourcesCollingwood coach says Bobby Hill not ready for return, other injuries ahead of Swans clashCollingwood's Craig McRae says Bobby Hill and Darcy Cameron will miss this weekend's game, leaving Oscar Steene to ruck against Sydney.
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3 months ago
[SPORTS] 2 sourcesSydney Swans start 2026 season strong but face midfield and ruck challengesSydney Swans lead early 2026 with strong form, new coach Dean Cox, but midfield injuries and reliance on ruckman Brodie Grundy persist.
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3 months ago
[SPORTS] 3 sourcesNorth Melbourne edges close to beating Sydney Swans in AFL showdownNorth Melbourne scored 97 points, narrowly lost to Sydney Swans, and showed strong defence in an AFL clash, hinting at a 2026 finals push.
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3 months ago
[SPORTS] 2 sourcesPort Adelaide's defence faces test against Western Bulldogs at Adelaide OvalPort Adelaide's defence, ranked 4th in points allowed, faces a test vs. injury-hit Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval.
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3 months ago
[SPORTS] 2 sourcesSydney Swans lose star forward Charlie Curnow to injury ahead of North Melbourne clashSydney Swans' Charlie Curnow ruled out with an abdominal injury ahead of the North Melbourne game.
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3 months ago
[SPORTS] 29 sourcesHawthorn Hawks brace for Fremantle Dockers in AFL showdownHawthorn Hawks prepare for Fremantle Dockers, focusing on Luke Jackson's threat and Nick Watson's form ahead of Thursday's AFL clash.
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3 months ago
[SPORTS] 4 sourcesBulldogs face Fremantle in injury-hit Friday AFL clash to start double-headerInjury-hit Bulldogs name six changes, recall Tim English to face Fremantle in a Friday AFL double-header.
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3 months ago
[SPORTS] 2 sourcesCaptains return as Pies and Hawks set for AFL Round Eight clashMoore's high-tackle incident preceded a draw; Moore and Sicily return as captains for Pies and Hawks in AFL Round Eight at the MCG.
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3 months ago
[SPORTS] 2 sourcesBulldogs face injury challenges as lineup named for clash with SydneyBulldogs cope with injuries as Bontempelli named for Round 7 against Sydney; neck injury cleared and 2016 reunion noted; Swans star out.
Sources
7news.com.au · afl.com.au · aiangrace.fi · americanindependent.com · areanews.com.au · au.lifestyle.yahoo.com · autoaction.com.au · awfulannouncing.com · beautyandfashiontech.com · Brisbane Times · brisbanetimes · brisbanetimes.com.au · communitynews.com.au · dailyadvertiser.com.au · dnamagazine.com.au · examiner.com.au · feralhouse.com · formansguide.se · heraldonlinejournal.com · lawprofessors.typepad.com · m.smh.com.au · macromedia.com · malaysiagazette.com · marngrookfootyshow.com.au · melbournefc.com.au · mmu.ac.uk · norwegiancreations.com · papageno.hu · perthnow.com.au · poesia.com.br · revistaganamas.com.pe · rionegrotur.com.ar · rugbynews.net.au · seoulspace.com · smh.com.au · sportal.com.au · The Age · The Sydney Morning Herald · theage · theage.com.au · thenightly.com.au · theqldr.com.au · thewest.com.au · totalrl.com · usplanthealth.org · wangarattachronicle.com.au · watoday · waToday.com.au