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

Adam Cusworth

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Last updated: Thu 12 Mar 2026 22:18

Adam Cusworth 12 Mar 2026

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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

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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

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