# 2026 AFL season: Fremantle streak, Essendon slump > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/afl-2026-injuries-and-team-adjustments-drive-earlyseason-matchups > Updated: 2026-07-30T00:19:00.000Z. Sources: 53. Developments: 41. 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 ### 2026-07-30: Dean Solomon to discuss full‑time Essendon coaching role Essendon 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. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dean-solomon-to-discuss-fulltime-essendon-coaching-role ### 2026-07-16: Shai Bolton’s clutch play and injury news keep Fremantle Dockers atop AFL ladder Shai 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‑ 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shai-boltons-clutch-play-and-injury-news-keep-fremantle-dockers-atop-afl-ladder ### 2026-07-15: Fremantle Dockers Near Second Minor Premiership as Fans Embrace 'Flagmantle Fremantle 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. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fremantle-dockers-near-second-minor-premiership-as-fans-embrace-flagmantle ### 2026-07-09: Essendon interim coach Dean Solomon says he loves the role amid club's losing streak Essendon 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. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/essendon-interim-coach-dean-solomon-says-he-loves-the-role-amid-clubs-losing-streak ### 2026-07-04: Western Australia AFL fans urged to back Fremantle over West Coast A 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/western-australia-afl-fans-urged-to-back-fremantle-over-west-coast ### 2026-07-02: Dean Solomon anticipates interview in Essendon coaching race Essendon interim coach Dean Solomon expects a forthcoming interview for the senior role, while the club prepares to interview 10‑15 candidates, including James Hidd. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dean-solomon-anticipates-interview-in-essendon-coaching-race ### 2026-06-28: Fremantle Dockers extend AFL winning streak to 14 games, Cox hailed as underrated defender Fremantle Dockers beat Gold Coast by 51 points, extending their AFL winning streak to 14; coach lauds defender Brennan Cox and returning ruckman Sean Darcy. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fremantle-dockers-extend-afl-winning-streak-to-14-games-cox-hailed-as-underrated-defender ### 2026-06-27: Fremantle Dockers extend winning streak to 14 with dominant win over Gold Coast Suns Fremantle 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. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fremantle-dockers-host-gold-coast-suns-in-afl-round-16-preview-and-tv-schedule ### 2026-06-26: Luke Jackson drives Fremantle Dockers into Gold Coast showdown Luke 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luke-jackson-drives-fremantle-dockers-into-gold-coast-showdown ### 2026-06-24: Fremantle forward Patrick Voss leads Dockers to revenge bid against Gold Coast Patrick Voss’s hot form helps Fremantle chase revenge over Gold Coast Suns in a high‑stakes AFL grudge match. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fremantle-forward-patrick-voss-leads-dockers-to-revenge-bid-against-gold-coast ### 2026-06-24: Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell rejects coaching rumours and proposes AFL list overhaul Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell says he is happy at the club, dismisses coaching rumours, and proposes AFL list size reforms with no maximum. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sam-mitchell-open-to-rival-offers-as-hawthorn-talks-stall ### 2026-06-18: Fremantle Dockers extend winning streak to 13 with comeback win over Geelong Fremantle rally from 28 points down to beat Geelong 99‑90, extending their AFL winning streak to 13 and staying atop the ladder. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fremantle-dockers-beat-geelong-cats-to-extend-record-winning-streak-to-13-games ### 2026-06-13: Essendon interim coach Dean Solomon rules out permanent role amid coaching saga Interim 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/essendon-interim-coach-dean-solomon-says-he-wont-seek-permanent-role-amid-coaching-speculation ### 2026-06-11: Essendon Bombers Seek to Boost Nate Caddy Amid Ball Movement Woes Essendon interim coach Dean Solomon urges better ball movement to help forward Nate Caddy as the Bombers languish bottom of the AFL ladder. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/essendon-bombers-seek-to-boost-nate-caddy-amid-ball-movement-woes ### 2026-06-06: North Melbourne imposes media blackout after 124‑point defeat to Fremantle North 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-melbourne-imposes-media-lockdown-after-124point-loss-to-fremantle ### 2026-06-06: Fremantle Dockers record 124-point win at Bunbury's Hands Oval Fremantle 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 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fremantle-dockers-record-124-point-win-at-bunburys-hands-oval ### 2026-06-05: Western Bulldogs defeat Hawthorn after second‑half collapse Hawthorn’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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/western-bulldogs-defeat-hawthorn-after-secondhalf-collapse ### 2026-06-05: Brisbane teams' losing streak deepens across AFL and NRL Brisbane 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. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brisbane-teams-losing-streak-deepens-across-afl-and-nrl ### 2026-06-03: Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell urges focus ahead of clash with Western Bulldogs Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell urges the team to focus on beating the Western Bulldogs, downplaying the upcoming bye and highlighting key players and injuries. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hawthorn-coach-sam-mitchell-urges-focus-ahead-of-clash-with-western-bulldogs ### 2026-06-01: Essendon given toughest AFL run home as interim coach Dean Solomon starts Essendon 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/essendon-given-toughest-afl-run-home-as-interim-coach-dean-solomon-starts ### 2026-05-28: Fremantle Dockers seek to stay leaders while Brisbane Lions rebound Fremantle 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. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fremantle-dockers-seek-to-extend-10match-winning-streak-vs-brisbane-lions ### 2026-05-25: Essendon Football Club sacks coach Brad Scott after disastrous start Essendon 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. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/essendon-star-zach-merrett-on-brad-scotts-sacking-and-clubs-crisis ### 2026-05-24: Western Bulldogs beat Melbourne Demons 93‑90 in a dramatic finish Western Bulldogs edged Melbourne Demons 93‑90 after Joel Freijah’s late goal; Harvey Langford’s dropped mark proved crucial. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/western-bulldogs-beat-melbourne-demons-9390-in-a-dramatic-finish ### 2026-05-24: Western Bulldogs secure three‑point victory over Melbourne with late heroics Western Bulldogs beat Melbourne by three points on 24 May 2026 after a late turnover and Freijah’s winning kick. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/western-bulldogs-secure-threepoint-victory-over-melbourne-with-late-heroics ### 2026-05-23: Essendon coach Brad Scott under pressure as Bombers sit last on AFL ladder Essendon 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/essendon-coach-brad-scott-under-pressure-as-bombers-sit-last-on-afl-ladder ### 2026-05-19: Essendon defender Mason Redman backs coach after poor start, eyes Dreamtime clash Essendon’s Mason Redman defends coach after a poor start, urging a bounce‑back in the Dreamtime clash versus Richmond. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/essendon-defender-mason-redman-backs-coach-after-poor-start-eyes-dreamtime-clash ### 2026-05-19: AFL ends Hawthorn’s Launceston games as Tasmania Devils set to join league The AFL will stop Hawthorn hosting games in Launceston after 2027, shifting focus to the new Tasmania Devils from 2028. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afl-ends-hawthorns-launceston-games-as-tasmania-devils-set-to-join-league ### 2026-05-17: Melbourne Demons Embrace Unburdened Play Under Coach Steven King Melbourne Demons, under Steven King, shift to a freer attacking style, posting seven wins in ten games after key player trades. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/melbourne-demons-embrace-unburdened-play-under-coach-steven-king ### 2026-05-17: Essendon Bombers stumble with heavy defeat, low crowd and mounting coach criticism Essendon’s heavy loss, record low crowd and coach Brad Scott face criticism; trade talk swirls around midfielder Zach Merrett. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/essendon-crushed-by-fremantle-as-dockers-claim-ninth-straight-win-amid-record-low-mcg-crowd ### 2026-05-16: North Melbourne captain Nick Larkey condemns team's heavy loss to Melbourne Demons Nick Larkey calls North Melbourne's loss to the Demons a horror show; Hawks also need work. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-melbourne-captain-nick-larkey-condemns-teams-heavy-loss-to-melbourne-demons ### 2026-05-16: North Melbourne's finals hopes hit after 68-point defeat by Adelaide Crows North Melbourne fell to Adelaide Crows 133-65, a 68-point loss that derailed their finals bid for 2026. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-melbournes-finals-hopes-hit-after-68-point-defeat-by-adelaide-crows ### 2026-05-16: Melbourne Demons defeat Hawthorn Hawks in tight MCG battle Melbourne Demons and Hawthorn Hawks tied at halftime before the Demons edged a close AFL game at the MCG. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/melbourne-demons-defeat-hawthorn-hawks-in-tight-mcg-battle ### 2026-05-13: Collingwood coach says Bobby Hill not ready for return, other injuries ahead of Swans clash Collingwood's Craig McRae says Bobby Hill and Darcy Cameron will miss this weekend's game, leaving Oscar Steene to ruck against Sydney. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/collingwood-coach-says-bobby-hill-not-ready-for-return-other-injuries-ahead-of-swans-clash ### 2026-05-08: Sydney Swans start 2026 season strong but face midfield and ruck challenges Sydney Swans lead early 2026 with strong form, new coach Dean Cox, but midfield injuries and reliance on ruckman Brodie Grundy persist. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sydney-swans-start-2026-season-strong-but-face-midfield-and-ruck-challenges ### 2026-05-07: North Melbourne edges close to beating Sydney Swans in AFL showdown North Melbourne scored 97 points, narrowly lost to Sydney Swans, and showed strong defence in an AFL clash, hinting at a 2026 finals push. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-melbourne-edges-close-to-beating-sydney-swans-in-afl-showdown ### 2026-05-07: Port Adelaide's defence faces test against Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval Port Adelaide's defence, ranked 4th in points allowed, faces a test vs. injury-hit Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/port-adelaides-defence-faces-test-against-western-bulldogs-at-adelaide-oval ### 2026-05-07: Sydney Swans lose star forward Charlie Curnow to injury ahead of North Melbourne clash Sydney Swans' Charlie Curnow ruled out with an abdominal injury ahead of the North Melbourne game. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sydney-swans-lose-star-forward-charlie-curnow-to-injury-ahead-of-north-melbourne-clash ### 2026-05-05: Hawthorn Hawks brace for Fremantle Dockers in AFL showdown Hawthorn Hawks prepare for Fremantle Dockers, focusing on Luke Jackson's threat and Nick Watson's form ahead of Thursday's AFL clash. 29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hawthorn-hawks-brace-for-fremantle-dockers-in-afl-showdown ### 2026-05-01: Bulldogs face Fremantle in injury-hit Friday AFL clash to start double-header Injury-hit Bulldogs name six changes, recall Tim English to face Fremantle in a Friday AFL double-header. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulldogs-face-fremantle-in-injury-hit-friday-afl-clash-to-start-double-header ### 2026-04-29: Captains return as Pies and Hawks set for AFL Round Eight clash Moore's high-tackle incident preceded a draw; Moore and Sicily return as captains for Pies and Hawks in AFL Round Eight at the MCG. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/captains-return-as-pies-and-hawks-set-for-afl-round-eight-clash ### 2026-04-22: Bulldogs face injury challenges as lineup named for clash with Sydney Bulldogs cope with injuries as Bontempelli named for Round 7 against Sydney; neck injury cleared and 2016 reunion noted; Swans star out. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulldogs-face-injury-challenges-as-lineup-named-for-clash-with-sydney --- Cite as: 2026 AFL season: Fremantle streak, Essendon slump. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/afl-2026-injuries-and-team-adjustments-drive-earlyseason-matchups