Dockers and Lions prepare for interstate preliminary final matchups

AFL • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 13, 2026, 6:49 AM

Last updated Sep 13, 2026

Dockers and Lions prepare for interstate preliminary final matchups

Summary

Fremantle and Brisbane face away games in this week's AFL preliminary finals. Fremantle travels to play Sydney at the SCG on Friday, while Brisbane heads to the MCG to challenge Hawthorn on Saturday. Historical data indicates that the challenge of winning interstate preliminary finals has lessened since 2016. Since the implementation of a week off for the top six teams, traveling sides have compiled an 8-8 record, compared to 5-15 in the years preceding the format change. Both teams enter the weekend after a pre-finals bye, providing recovery time before their respective matches. The winners of these contests will secure a place in the Grand Final.

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By the Numbers

•Fremantle plays Sydney at the SCG on Friday night.
•Brisbane faces Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday.
•Traveling teams hold an 8-8 preliminary final record since the pre-finals bye began in 2016.
•Teams are entering the preliminary finals refreshed following a week off.
•Brisbane holds a 4-1 record in interstate games at the business end of the season.

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