Fremantle prepares for elimination semi-final following loss to Hawthorn

Fremantle faces a home elimination semi-final after falling 72-40 to Hawthorn in a qualifying final at Optus Stadium on September 3, 2026. The Dockers produced their lowest first-half score in a final since 1920, trailing heavily before the break. Despite the performance, forward Josh Treacy and captain Alex Pearce expressed confidence in the team's ability to recover using the double-chance provision afforded by their minor premiership finish. The club faces personnel concerns heading into the next match, with defender Brandon Walker potentially sidelined for the season due to an ankle injury and Brennan Cox unlikely to return from a calf issue. Fremantle must now prepare for a matchup against either Geelong or Carlton to keep their season alive.

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