Fremantle hosts Hawthorn in AFL qualifying final at Optus Stadium
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 2, 2026, 1:29 AM
Last updated Sep 2, 2026

Fremantle hosts Hawthorn in an AFL qualifying final at Optus Stadium this Thursday, September 3, starting at 6.10pm AWST. The Dockers enter the match after securing a minor premiership, despite suffering two losses in their final three home-and-away appearances. Hawthorn earned a double chance in the finals series after a mixed run of form that included a win, a draw, and a loss in their last three outings. Fremantle previously secured an 88-73 victory over Hawthorn at the same venue in round nine. The Dockers expect to see the return of Jye Amiss, Heath Chapman, Sam Switkowski, and Murphy Reid to the side, while Hawthorn plans to recall Jack Ginnivan. Brennan Cox remains the only major selection absence for Fremantle due to injury.
- •The qualifying final is scheduled for Thursday, September 3 at Optus Stadium.
- •Fremantle finished the season with 19 wins to secure the minor premiership.
- •Fremantle defeated Hawthorn 88-73 during their previous meeting in round nine.
- •Hawthorn secured a top-four finish for the first time since 2018.
- •Jack Ginnivan is expected to return for Hawthorn after missing the final round.
- 1:29 AMAFL — MEGA-PREVIEW: Crows v Bulldogs, stats that matter, who wins and why
- 4:17 AMAFL — MEGA-PREVIEW: Cats v Blues, stats that matter, who wins and why
- 1:38 AMAFL — MEGA-PREVIEW: Dockers v Hawks, stats that matter, who wins and why
"Hawthorn will be out to inflict a first defeat on home turf for minor premier Fremantle in Thursday night's qualifying final
"Can Carlton continue its revival or will the experience of Geelong tell the story?
Sources
External links- AFLSep 2, 2026, 1:29 AMMEGA-PREVIEW: Crows v Bulldogs, stats that matter, who wins and why
- AFLSep 1, 2026, 4:17 AMMEGA-PREVIEW: Cats v Blues, stats that matter, who wins and why
Can Carlton continue its revival or will the experience of Geelong tell the story?
- AFLSep 1, 2026, 1:38 AMMEGA-PREVIEW: Dockers v Hawks, stats that matter, who wins and why
Hawthorn will be out to inflict a first defeat on home turf for minor premier Fremantle in Thursday night's qualifying final
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