Fremantle Dockers vs Hawthorn Hawks Preview
Round 9 kicks off with a huge match between Fremantle and Hawthorn, and it’s the Hawks that can overcome their poor recent record against the Dockers with a statement win.
Sam Mitchell’s side have lost seven of the past eight against Freo and will be out to rebound after escaping with a draw against Collingwood in Round 8. They have a 6-1-1 win/loss/draw record, while the Dockers have won their past seven and are 7-1.
The Hawks have some work to do for the
Round 9 clash after inaccuracy and wasted opportunities cost them against Collingwood. They dominated the clearance battle and inside 50s in the 13.15.93 to 15.3 scoreline and will look to create more ground level contests for the likes of Nick Watson and Jack Ginnivan.
Their ability to generate repeat entries and maintain pressure will create scoreboard reward. Fremantle have shown they can be challenged when momentum swings against them and are notoriously slow to start their matches.
They trailled at quarter time in the recent Bulldogs clash before the likes of Luke Jackson and Hayden Young took over. Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss loom large up forward and the Hawks will look to use their defensive interceptors to get the game on their terms.
Ultimately, this comes down to which team gets the game on its terms. If Fremantle control stoppage and tempo, their system and depth give them the edge. But if Hawthorn win territory, generate repeat entries and bring their small forwards into play, they can overwhelm Fremantle with pressure and scoreboard bursts. That style suits the Hawks, and if they execute it consistently, they can break through for a strong interstate win.
Take the Hawks in what should be a cracking contest with Jack Ginnivan and Andrew Brayshaw looming as value in your player props for either side.
- Hawthorn have won two of their past three interstate matches, with those coming in the 2025 Finals Series
- Hawthorn led Fremantle in the Optus Stadium encounter late last season before falling away in the last quarter
- Jack Ginnivan has kicked six goals in his past three matches against the Dockers
- Andrew Brayshaw has had 25+ disposals in five of his past six against the Hawks
Head to Head
Fremantle have a great record against Hawthorn in recent seasons, having taken out seven of the past eight matches between the two sides, including the most recent encounter, a 13-point win at Optus Stadium in Round 18 last season, restricting the Hawks to just two behinds in the final term, while kicking 4.4 to overcome a 13-point deficit at three-quarter time. Their only loss to Hawthorn since 2019 came in Tasmania in 2024. The Dockers have won the past five between the two sides at Optus.
Notable player performances in the recent head to heads come from;
- Andrew Brayshaw (Dockers)- 30+ disposals in four of the past six and had 29 in the last meeting
- Jack Ginnivan (Hawks)- 27 disposals in the last meeting and six goals from his past three against the Dockers
- Bailey Banfield (Dockers)- 2+ goals in four of his past five against the Hawks
Fremantle have developed into one of the most complete teams in the competition and sit at 7–1 following their 12-point win over Carlton. While the margin was relatively narrow, the Dockers controlled key phases of the game and showcased their ability to lift when required.
Shai Bolton continued his excellent for with a 30 disposals and one goal haul, while Luke Jackson was again outstanding, providing a dynamic presence through the ruck and around the ground. The classy midfielder, Hayden Young, kicked three goals and was joined by Josh Treacy and Sam Switkowski, with both of those also snagging three.
The Dockers’ ball movement has improved significantly in 2026. They have maintained their ability to control games through territory and structure, but have added a stronger attacking edge, scoring 100+ points on five occasions this season.
Their midfield depth is a standout feature, with multiple players capable of influencing games. They have a range of ball-getters that have stepped up this season including Bolton, Jordan Clark and the young gun, Murphy Reid. That trio sit in the top five for average disposals for the Dockers, alongside Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong.
Fremantle Team News
The Dockers are unlikely to make too many changes to their lineup and pulled up with no concerns on the injury front out of the Bulldogs win. Sean Darcy and Jaegar O’Meara remain on the sidelines, while Bailey Banfield and Nathan O’Driscoll are amomg those with solid form in the WAFL.
Hawthorn come off a draw against Collingwood in Round 8, escaping with the two points after a Dylan Moore goal after the siren. They dominated that match in a number of key statistical measures including Inside 50s (62-34) and clearances (39-23) but could not convert with inaccuracy costing them in the 13.15.93 to 15.3.93 scoreline.
Connor MacDonald produced what was a career best game with 28 disposals and three goals, while Jai Newcombe (28 dispoals, one goal) and Karl Amon (30 disposals) were among the better players. Newcombe has had 25+ disposals in five of his past six matches, while Amon has had 30 in his last two.
Nick Watson was lively once again, kicking two goals to take his tally to 20 from eight matches for the season, while Jack Gunston was kept goalless for the first time since Round 11 last season but has 24 from seven matches in 2026.
The Hawks head interstate to take on interstate opposition for just the second time this season and went down to GWS in the Opening Round by 27 in Sydney.
Hawthorn Team News
James Sicily rolled his ankle in the draw against Collingwood and will be assessed during the week. Henry Hustwaite continues to produce big numbers at VFL level, while Sam Butler and Bailey McDonald both had excellent matches for Box Hill in the nine point win over Collingwood.