Fremantle Dockers 2026 AFL Grand Final campaign

The Fremantle Dockers have advanced to the 2026 AFL Grand Final following a comeback victory against Sydney at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Despite trailing by 27 points at the three-quarter time siren, the team secured the win with key contributions from Hayden Young, Shai Bolton, Caleb Serong, Luke Jackson, and Andy Brayshaw. Former Dockers player Hayden Ballantyne commented that the club is “building a monster,” pointing to a youthful roster where many players are under the age of 25.

Fremantle is scheduled to face the back-to-back reigning premiers, Brisbane, at the MCG on Saturday, September 26. While Brisbane enters the match as favorites seeking a historic third consecutive premiership, they will be without dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale due to suspension.

As the match approaches, midfielder Neil Erasmus is preparing for his first Grand Final. The 22-year-old wingman, who recently signed a new three-year contract with Fremantle after rejecting interest from West Coast and the Western Bulldogs, has been a mainstay in Justin Longmuir’s side. Erasmus is one of only seven Dockers players to feature in every game this season and has credited his form to improved life-football balance and clear coaching roles. He noted the team’s resilience throughout a finals series that included victories over Geelong and Sydney.

To enhance fan engagement, AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon has approved special activations, including Fremantle’s potential ‘Wharfie Time’ sequence. Preparations for the decider include a grand final parade, captain’s run training sessions, and pre-match entertainment headlined by Kylie Minogue.