AFL
  • Home
  • AFL

Fremantle Dockers vs Hawthorn AFL Qualifying Final Tips - Hawks to push Freo closer at Optus

adam-cusworth
Editor
Last updated: Tue 01 Sep 2026 09:22
The AFL Qualifying Final match-up sees Fremantle Dockers, minor premiers, hosting Hawthorn, who finished fourth after a strong finish to the season. Fremantle has home-ground advantage and a solid record at Optus Stadium, but Hawthorn has performed well in recent interstate finals and matches between these teams have been tight. Key players like Jai Newcombe and Jye Amiss could have significant impacts. While Fremantle is favored, Hawthorn is given a solid chance to cover the line, making the game a closely contested showdown.
Adam Cusworth 3 hours ago
Share this article
Or copy link
  • Recent Fremantle vs Hawthorn games have been close
  • Fremantle strong at home but Hawthorn have excelled in interstate finals
  • Key picks: Hawthorn to cover line (+15.5), Jai Newcombe 25+ disposals, Jye Amiss 3+ goals
fremantle hawthorn
Fremantle Dockers and Hawthorn clash in the qualifying final (Getty Images)


Fremantle Dockers vs Hawthorn AFL Qualifying Final Verdict


Hawthorn finished fourth on the ladder after the home-and-away season and face the road trip to Perth to face minor premiers Fremantle as a result. The Hawks have been given a +16.5 start on the line and I think they can stay within that. 

  • The past three matches between the two sides have been decided by 15 points or less with two of those held at Optus Stadium.
  • Hawthorn have won their past two interstate finals.
  • Jai Newcombe has averaged 29 disposals in the five finals matches he has played.
  • Jye Amiss has booted 19 goals in his past five matches.

Head to Head Stats


Fremantle have won the past two matches between the two sides, taking out the Round 9 match this season at Optus Stadium by 15 points, as well as the Round 18 clash last year at the venue by 13. 

Hawthorn led at three-quarter time in both of those matches before conceding late goals.

Fremantle Dockers Form


Fremantle finished on top of the ladder to claim the minor premiership and earned home-ground advantage for the Qualifying Final. 

The Dockers wrapped up top spot with a 24-point win over Adelaide in Round 23 and have been particularly difficult to beat at Optus Stadium. 

Their Round 21 win over the Western Bulldogs was another example of their ability to grind down opposition at the venue, kicking seven goals to one after half-time in a 37-point victory.

The Dockers have not been flawless heading into September, losing to Melbourne in Round 22 before suffering a 37-point defeat against Carlton in the final round. There were mitigating circumstances against the Blues, with several regulars rested and game time managed.

Hawthorn Form


Hawthorn finished 4th on the ladder to secure a double chance and enter the finals after a 62-point win over West Coast at Optus Stadium. 

The Hawks were dominant early, opening a 47-point lead during the second quarter before wet conditions made their percentage chase more difficult. 

Their form across the final month has been mixed, but they have shown an ability to respond when challenged. 

Hawthorn suffered a heavy 67-point defeat against Brisbane in Round 22 before producing a much stronger performance against Collingwood, coming from 22 points down at half-time to secure their second draw against the Magpies this season.

Fremantle Dockers vs Hawthorn Team News


Fremantle will regain Jye Amiss after he was managed in Round 24, while Murphy Reid is also expected to return after recovering from a groin issue. 

Brennan Cox is set to miss the Qualifying Final after suffering a calf injury against Carlton, with Oscar McDonald an option to move back into defence. 

Hawthorn have close to a full list available for the trip to Perth. Jack Ginnivan missed Round 24 with a back issue but is expected to return for the Qualifying Final, while Nick Watson was managed out of the final quarter against West Coast and has been cleared to play.

Jai Newcombe also played on after being assessed following a heavy tackle. 

Verdict

Hawthorn to go close to an upset with Newcombe amongst the disposals. Jye Amiss hard to contain and will be dangerous for the Dockers.

Best Bet1: Hawthorn +16.5 Line @7/8 at bet365 - 1 Unit
Best Bet2: Jai Newcombe To Have 25+ disposals @20/21 at dabble - 1 Unit
Best Bet3: Jye Amiss To Score 3+ goals @23/17 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
Hawthorn +16.5
Line
@7/8 - 1 Unit
Bet £10 Get £30
with bonus code NEWBONUS

Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad

Bet at bet365
Jai Newcombe
To Have 25+ disposals
@20/21 - 1 Unit
Bet £10 Get £10
Promo Code: NEWBONUS

New customers only. Bet £10+ to receive £10 in Free Bets. 7-day free bet expiry. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply. 18+. GambleAware.org

Bet at dabble
Jye Amiss
To Score 3+ goals
@23/17 - 1 Unit
Bet £20 Get £10
Use promo code NEWBONUS

18+ New customers only. Bet £20 (or more) EVS (2.0) or greater Get 2 x £5 Free Bets. 1 x £5 Free Bet paid automatically & following £5 Free Bet after 24hrs. Min Free Bet odds 4/1 (5.0) on accumulators Trebles & upwards. Expires after 24hrs. Full T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org

Bet at Star Sports
adam-cusworth
Adam Cusworth

Sports Editor • 20+ years betting experience

One of Australia's top tipsters, Adam provides tips for horse racing every day of the week as well as AFL previews. He is one of the top ranked experts on the Great Tip Off each month and has featured on Blackbook, Punters, Racingbase and many more.

 
Based in Melbourne, Adam is an avid sporting fan that loves a day at the MCG to follow his team, Hawthorn, in the AFL and the Aussies in the cricket, while he doesn't mind a day out at Moonee Valley, Flemington and Caulfield from time to time.

Read More

Top Betting Sites

special-offer-1Betting offers

Upcoming Events

03 Sep 2026

Fremantle Dockers v Hawthorn

days

hours

min

Add to Calendar
Hear more from Freetips.com