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last mo.

Hawthorn Stuns Fremantle With 32-Point Qualifying Final Win

Hawthorn's deliberate, high-pressure game at Optus Stadium flipped the finals draw by sending Fremantle into a sudden‑death semi-final, securing the Hawks a home preliminary final at the MCG.

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Qualifying Final AFL match between Fremantle Dockers and Hawthorn Hawks at Optus Stadium, on 3 September, 2026, in Perth, Australia. Docker Patrick Voss and team mates leave the ground.
Dave, Miles, Maeve and Vanessa Lemm.
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Overview

  • Hawthorn beat minor premiers Fremantle 10.12 (72) to 5.10 (40) on Thursday to advance to a home preliminary final at the MCG.
  • The win was built on a planned, relentless pressure blueprint that forced repeated turnovers and stopped Fremantle's usual clean ball movement.
  • Nick Watson, Jack Gunston and Dylan Moore were key contributors for Hawthorn while James Sicily led a stingy Hawks defence that limited Fremantle to 40 points.
  • Fremantle recalled Brandon Walker but he rolled his ankle late in the third quarter and will have scans, leaving selection and fitness questions — including Brennan Cox's availability — ahead of next week's semi-final.
  • The loss ends Fremantle's perfect Optus Stadium run this season and hands them a tougher path: they must beat the winner of Geelong vs Carlton in a do-or-die semi-final at Optus Stadium and then win an away preliminary final to reach the grand final.