Home
AFL

This preview has expired.

See all our latest betting tips or suggested betting sites

Geelong Cats vs Fremantle Dockers AFL Betting Tips - Dockers with a start the play in Round 1

Adam Cusworth

Editor

Last updated: Thu 12 Mar 2026 22:18

Adam Cusworth 12 Mar 2026

Share this article

Geelong faces challenges with a shaky start to 2026 season
Fremantle boasts strong performances, backed by key players
Injury updates could impact match outcomes for both teams

Expired

Fremantle Dockers to keep it close (Getty Images)

Head to Head Stats
Geelong Cats Make Shocking Start
Fremantle Dockers Start Season With High Hopes
Team News

Geelong Cats vs Fremantle Dockers Preview

Geelong had a shaky start to 2026 and now face a tough test if they are to steady the ship. The Cats were beaten by 56 points last week and I'm taking the Dockers to keep it competitive and cover with a start.

Geelong have gone down in both pre-season matches as well as their Round 1 encounter
Fremantle have won two of their past three at GMHBA Stadium
Andrew Brayshaw has had 25+ disposals in four of his past five against Geelong
Caleb Serong has had 25+ disposals in four of his past five against Geelong

Head to Head Stats

Geelong took out the corresponding fixture last season by 78 points and it was Bailey Smith that was electric in his debut for the club, picking up 32 disposals, while Jeremy Cameron booted four goals. Fremantle’s Murphy Reid produced a memorable cameo with four goals in a quarter.

The Cats have won the past two matches between the two sides but the Dockers won three prior to that, including two at GMHBA Stadium.

Geelong Cats Make Shocking Start

Geelong dropped both of their pre-season hitouts along with their Opening Round clash.

It is a contrast to the consistency that carried them to the Grand Final in 2025 where they finished the home-and-away season with an 18–5 record before ultimately falling short against Brisbane.

In the 56-point loss to Gold Coast Suns last week, Geelong had moments of strong ball movement but struggled to maintain control across the contest.

Tanner Bruhn was a standout performer with 31 disposals and two goal assists, providing energy through the midfield in his first appearance since 2024.

Ollie Dempsey also impressed with four goals, while Bailey Smith endured a quiet start to the season. The All-Australian midfielder had just seven disposals in the opening half before working into the contest and finishing with 23 touches.

Fremantle Dockers Start Season With High Hopes

Fremantle finished the 2025 home and away season with a 16-7 record before losing a thrilling Elimination Final to Gold Coast.

In match simulation their midfield again generated strong clearance numbers while Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy controlled the ruck.

Their Community Series clash with Adelaide saw Jackson record 23 disposals and 28 hitouts in the 16-point win over Adelaide, which was played in blustery conditions.

Team News

Geelong got through their Opening Round match without any injuries.

Jeremy Cameron has been managing a quad complaint while Patrick Dangerfield has dealt with calf soreness during the pre-season. Both missed the Suns match and face fitness tests during the week.

For the Dockers, Sean Darcy has been managing a minor calf complaint but is expected to be available.

Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw remain the Dockers’ primary midfield drivers while Luke Jackson continues to split time between ruck and forward roles.

Young midfielders such as Neil Erasmus and Matthew Johnson are pushing for expanded roles.

Verdict

Geelong Cats v Fremantle Dockers

Fremantle to push the Cats with Serong and Brayshaw amongst the disposals.

Fremantle +10.5

Handicap -10.5

@9/10 - 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

Caleb Serong

To Have 25+ disposals

@1/2 - 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

Andrew Brayshaw

To Have 25+ disposals

@4/6 - 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

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.