Who Freo fans should barrack for in EVERY remaining game
Plus, what happens if it all goes their way …
SATURDAY
Hawthorn v Port Adelaide
Sydney v North Melbourne
SUNDAY
Geelong v St Kilda
Collingwood v Fremantle
Adelaide v Gold Coast
A Hawthorn loss to Port Adelaide in Tasmania will keep the Dockers level on points with the Hawks, even better it will give the Dockers' four points of separation if they can knock off top-of-the-ladder Collingwood. With an Adelaide loss and their own win, the Dockers could jump up as high as third. James Sicily of the Hawks. Credit: Paul Kane / Getty Images
THURSDAY
Hawthorn v Carlton
FRIDAY
Essendon v Western Bulldogs
GWS v Sydney
SATURDAY
Gold Coast v Brisbane
Fremantle v West Coast
North Melbourne v Geelong
Adelaide v Port Adelaide
SUNDAY
Richmond v Collingwood
If the Hawks keep losing, a spot in the eight is really there for the taking, while a Dogs loss would give the Dockers more insurance on their finals spot. The Giants are also a rival for the eight. The western derby could be a chance for Fremantle to boost their percentage, while a Showdown upset could keep them in the mix for the spots right up the top. Marcus Bontempelli. Credit: Michael Willson / AFL Photos
THURSDAY
Western Bulldogs v GWS
FRIDAY
Adelaide v Hawthorn
SATURDAY
Gold Coast v Richmond
Collingwood v Brisbane
SUNDAY
Geelong v Port Adelaide
Fremantle v Carlton
If results go Fremantle's way, they could start to shake some teams by this stage, including Greater Western Sydney, Gold Coast, Adelaide and Hawthorn, while Collingwood and Brisbane will be within reach. Lachie Whitfield. Credit: Michael Willson / AFL Photos
THURSDAY
Hawthorn v Collingwood
FRIDAY
Geelong v Essendon
SATURDAY
Brisbane v Sydney
Carlton v Gold Coast
Port Adelaide v Fremantle
SUNDAY
GWS v North Melbourne
Melbourne v Western Bulldogs
West Coast v Adelaide
As tough as it is to support West Coast, an Eagles win would force Adelaide well back into the pack. The Crows would fall three wins behind the Dockers and the Cats would go three wins back, while the Suns would slide too. Tyler Brockman of the Eagles celebrates a goal. Credit: Sarah Reed / AFL Photos
FRIDAY
Fremantle v Brisbane
SATURDAY
Gold Coast v GWS
Hawthorn v Melbourne
Adelaide v Collingwood
The Dockers wouldn't mind a dent in the confidence of Hawthorn given they're a good chance to meet in September. They'd want the Suns to continue to slide and the Magpies to keep slipping up. Darcy Moore of the Magpies looks dejected. Credit: Chris Hyde / Getty Images
North Melbourne v Adelaide
Western Bulldogs v Fremantle
Collingwood v Melbourne
In this dream scenario, a final-round win would leave the Dockers on top of the ladder. In reality, this game is likely to be crucial to their finals hopes. One more loss for Adelaide and Collingwood would do them some favours too.
In all likelihood, they would at this stage still be barracking for Hawthorn to be knocked off by Brisbane and an upset by St Kilda over the Giants. Max Heath of the Saints celebrates kicking his first AFL goal in his debut match. Credit: Kelly Defina/AFL Photos / via Getty Images
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The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Star Dockers mid injured in comeback win over Carlton
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is optimistic Hayden Young's groin injury isn't serious after the star midfielder lasted less than a quarter in his team's 27-point comeback win over Carlton at Optus Stadium. The Blues registered the first four goals of the match and still led by eight points at the final change before Fremantle kicked seven goals to one in a blistering last quarter to seal the 15.4 (94) to 10.7 (67) win in front of 39,358 fans. Isaiah Dudley and Patrick Voss kicked two goals each in the final quarter onslaught, with the win improving Fremantle's record to 14-6 and keeping them just percentage adrift of fourth-placed Geelong. Young injured his left groin late in the first quarter and was subbed out after being assessed on the bench. The 24-year-old Young was playing just his third match back from hamstring surgery, and his latest setback is a massive blow with the finals little more than a month away. "Touch wood, it's not too bad. It doesn't look very serious. He just couldn't get going," Longmuir said. "I think today's injury was just a bit unlucky and a bit more of a twisting action." Carlton were also dealt injury blows. Blues youngster Harry O'Farrell, just minutes after kicking his first AFL goal in the second quarter, suffered a suspected ACL tear in his left knee after landing awkwardly in a marking contest. "Shattering news for us and in particular him," Carlton coach Michael Voss said of O'Farrell, the No.40 pick from last year's national draft. "The highs and lows of football - it's got a great way of being able to lift you up, and it's got a very nasty way of being able to bring you down as well. "We've been so impressed with the young man, and he's going to evolve in a very good play for us." Defender Adam Saad was left groggy and with blood pouring from his nose in the dying minutes after an accidental shin to the face from Andrew Brayshaw. Fremantle's trio of spearheads Voss, Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss kicked three goals apiece in a potent attack, while Luke Jackson tallied 27 disposals, eight clearances, one goal and 18 hitouts in a huge display. Dockers defender Jordan Clark racked up 30 possessions and 759m gained, and star midfielder Caleb Serong (19 disposals, eight clearances) fought back from a quiet first half under a tight tag from Cooper Lord. George Hewett starred for Carlton with 36 disposals and seven clearances but was quelled somewhat after half-time by Jaeger O'Meara, while Patrick Cripps (36 disposals, nine clearances) tried his best to will the Blues over the line. The scoreboard read 24-0 to Carlton before the most unlikely goal-kicker on the field - Fremantle defender Oscar McDonald - put the Dockers on the board after Tom De Koning coughed up a 50m penalty. Carlton's early onslaught came courtesy of their clearance dominance and intense tackling pressure. The Blues won the centre clearances 11-1 in the first half, helping them to a 24-point lead. Hewett had 25 disposals and seven clearances to his name by the long break. In contrast, Serong had just five possessions and two clearances. Fremantle made their move in the third quarter with four goals to one - including two to Amiss - to close the margin to eight points at the final change. Treacy was huge in the fightback, with his attack on the ball and powerful marking crucial. The bustling spearhead nailed a set shot from 50m to put Fremantle ahead early in the final term, and the onslaught continued from there. Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is optimistic Hayden Young's groin injury isn't serious after the star midfielder lasted less than a quarter in his team's 27-point comeback win over Carlton at Optus Stadium. The Blues registered the first four goals of the match and still led by eight points at the final change before Fremantle kicked seven goals to one in a blistering last quarter to seal the 15.4 (94) to 10.7 (67) win in front of 39,358 fans. Isaiah Dudley and Patrick Voss kicked two goals each in the final quarter onslaught, with the win improving Fremantle's record to 14-6 and keeping them just percentage adrift of fourth-placed Geelong. Young injured his left groin late in the first quarter and was subbed out after being assessed on the bench. The 24-year-old Young was playing just his third match back from hamstring surgery, and his latest setback is a massive blow with the finals little more than a month away. "Touch wood, it's not too bad. It doesn't look very serious. He just couldn't get going," Longmuir said. "I think today's injury was just a bit unlucky and a bit more of a twisting action." Carlton were also dealt injury blows. Blues youngster Harry O'Farrell, just minutes after kicking his first AFL goal in the second quarter, suffered a suspected ACL tear in his left knee after landing awkwardly in a marking contest. "Shattering news for us and in particular him," Carlton coach Michael Voss said of O'Farrell, the No.40 pick from last year's national draft. "The highs and lows of football - it's got a great way of being able to lift you up, and it's got a very nasty way of being able to bring you down as well. "We've been so impressed with the young man, and he's going to evolve in a very good play for us." Defender Adam Saad was left groggy and with blood pouring from his nose in the dying minutes after an accidental shin to the face from Andrew Brayshaw. Fremantle's trio of spearheads Voss, Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss kicked three goals apiece in a potent attack, while Luke Jackson tallied 27 disposals, eight clearances, one goal and 18 hitouts in a huge display. Dockers defender Jordan Clark racked up 30 possessions and 759m gained, and star midfielder Caleb Serong (19 disposals, eight clearances) fought back from a quiet first half under a tight tag from Cooper Lord. George Hewett starred for Carlton with 36 disposals and seven clearances but was quelled somewhat after half-time by Jaeger O'Meara, while Patrick Cripps (36 disposals, nine clearances) tried his best to will the Blues over the line. The scoreboard read 24-0 to Carlton before the most unlikely goal-kicker on the field - Fremantle defender Oscar McDonald - put the Dockers on the board after Tom De Koning coughed up a 50m penalty. Carlton's early onslaught came courtesy of their clearance dominance and intense tackling pressure. The Blues won the centre clearances 11-1 in the first half, helping them to a 24-point lead. Hewett had 25 disposals and seven clearances to his name by the long break. In contrast, Serong had just five possessions and two clearances. Fremantle made their move in the third quarter with four goals to one - including two to Amiss - to close the margin to eight points at the final change. Treacy was huge in the fightback, with his attack on the ball and powerful marking crucial. The bustling spearhead nailed a set shot from 50m to put Fremantle ahead early in the final term, and the onslaught continued from there. Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is optimistic Hayden Young's groin injury isn't serious after the star midfielder lasted less than a quarter in his team's 27-point comeback win over Carlton at Optus Stadium. The Blues registered the first four goals of the match and still led by eight points at the final change before Fremantle kicked seven goals to one in a blistering last quarter to seal the 15.4 (94) to 10.7 (67) win in front of 39,358 fans. Isaiah Dudley and Patrick Voss kicked two goals each in the final quarter onslaught, with the win improving Fremantle's record to 14-6 and keeping them just percentage adrift of fourth-placed Geelong. Young injured his left groin late in the first quarter and was subbed out after being assessed on the bench. The 24-year-old Young was playing just his third match back from hamstring surgery, and his latest setback is a massive blow with the finals little more than a month away. "Touch wood, it's not too bad. It doesn't look very serious. He just couldn't get going," Longmuir said. "I think today's injury was just a bit unlucky and a bit more of a twisting action." Carlton were also dealt injury blows. Blues youngster Harry O'Farrell, just minutes after kicking his first AFL goal in the second quarter, suffered a suspected ACL tear in his left knee after landing awkwardly in a marking contest. "Shattering news for us and in particular him," Carlton coach Michael Voss said of O'Farrell, the No.40 pick from last year's national draft. "The highs and lows of football - it's got a great way of being able to lift you up, and it's got a very nasty way of being able to bring you down as well. "We've been so impressed with the young man, and he's going to evolve in a very good play for us." Defender Adam Saad was left groggy and with blood pouring from his nose in the dying minutes after an accidental shin to the face from Andrew Brayshaw. Fremantle's trio of spearheads Voss, Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss kicked three goals apiece in a potent attack, while Luke Jackson tallied 27 disposals, eight clearances, one goal and 18 hitouts in a huge display. Dockers defender Jordan Clark racked up 30 possessions and 759m gained, and star midfielder Caleb Serong (19 disposals, eight clearances) fought back from a quiet first half under a tight tag from Cooper Lord. George Hewett starred for Carlton with 36 disposals and seven clearances but was quelled somewhat after half-time by Jaeger O'Meara, while Patrick Cripps (36 disposals, nine clearances) tried his best to will the Blues over the line. The scoreboard read 24-0 to Carlton before the most unlikely goal-kicker on the field - Fremantle defender Oscar McDonald - put the Dockers on the board after Tom De Koning coughed up a 50m penalty. Carlton's early onslaught came courtesy of their clearance dominance and intense tackling pressure. The Blues won the centre clearances 11-1 in the first half, helping them to a 24-point lead. Hewett had 25 disposals and seven clearances to his name by the long break. In contrast, Serong had just five possessions and two clearances. Fremantle made their move in the third quarter with four goals to one - including two to Amiss - to close the margin to eight points at the final change. Treacy was huge in the fightback, with his attack on the ball and powerful marking crucial. The bustling spearhead nailed a set shot from 50m to put Fremantle ahead early in the final term, and the onslaught continued from there.
West Australian
5 hours ago
- West Australian
Fremantle Dockers star Nat Fyfe puts hand up for AFL return after sensational WAFL comeback
Dual Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe has taken a giant stride towards returning to Fremantle's senior side, putting himself at the head of a desperate queue as Fremantle steam towards finals. The midfield bull made a spectacular return from a calf injury in the WAFL on Saturday and was Peel Thunder's best in wet, muddy conditions against Claremont, despite not playing much more than half a game. Fyfe had five touches in a rainy opening term before exploding through the middle of the game, parked on the bench at the last change, having already collected 28 disposals, six tackles and five clearances. His size and poise were a level above as he thrived on the close-quarters combat and slower pace, even if his disposal was rusty at times in the slippery conditions. The midfielder had such an effect that dual Sandover medallist Jye Bolton was sent to curb the 33-year-old's influence. Dockers young gun Cooper Simpson said having Fyfe invested in the Peel boys was a 'special' experience. 'We've got a very young group here at Peel, so to have an experienced player like him with the CV he's got, it's pretty special to play with him any time you can,' Simpson told The West Australian. 'He just adds a cool, calm, collected sort of vibe into that midfield, and when he's got the ball, you know he's going to make the right decision with it. 'It's awesome to have someone like him invested down here at Peel. The experience and knowledge that he has that he can pass on to us young boys is invaluable.' Fyfe put the ball into the selectors' court with his display on Saturday and now opens the door for them to either stick with him at WAFL level and build his minutes, or take him to Adelaide to take on Port. Simpson revealed he and the guys plying their trade with Peel, such as Brandon Walker and James Aish, would 'do anything' to get back in the side. 'I'm hungry as to get a spot back in that team,' he said. 'I'll do anything to get into that team as well as all the other boys. We're dying to get back into that team. 'Hopefully, we go far, but we're taking it one week at a time now.' Fyfe was used in the sub role during his last return from injury earlier this year and could don the vest again in the last month of the home-and-away season. He could even be used as an impact player for the Dockers in finals, supplying his experience and calm nature through the first half of finals before Justin Longmuir pulled the trigger on fresh legs. Meanwhile, Simpson made it clear his shoulder was more than up to the task of AFL should he earn a recall after recovering from a brutal AC injury. 'I have full confidence in it that I can go out there and play my natural game,' he said. 'I've done a mountain of work with all the physios at the club and the doctors and the surgeons so going out there I feel confident in it. 'You've got to feel that big hit when you come back not only physically but mentally so you know that you can take that hit again and that's a big stepping stone (I've cleared).'
Sydney Morning Herald
6 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Collingwood recruited a star. After another worrying loss, it's time to let him shine
With Daicos used as the first-choice distributor, Houston has seen little of the ball. Not coincidentally, one of his best performances came against Gold Coast when Daicos-the-elder moved onto the ball. Loading Houston has sounded out Lachie Schultz, who last year had a tough first season adjusting his game to Collingwood's and trying to figure out where he fits in. It has, though, not been a problem for Harry Perryman, who has a different backline role to Houston, and has been very good this year. Against Brisbane on Saturday night, Houston had only 11 touches and gave away two critical free kicks, both for high tackles that led to goals. Both were those maddening free kicks when the player with the ball searches for high contact and is rewarded when it comes. Frees are nearly always paid in this scenario because the umpire is left to make a forensic decision in a split second about who was most responsible for the tackle slipping high. Houston is averaging just 16 touches a game. At Port, he was getting about 10 more touches than that each match. He has averaged half the number of inside 50s a game and fewer marks. It's as if Collingwood brought a star in for a role they aren't using him in. He looks confused and appears to be second-guessing himself. He is better than this, and Collingwood need to find a way to unlock his game because what they are doing now isn't working. If he is to be a difference-maker, the Magpies need to start using him better. That might require moving Josh Daicos up to a wing and shifting Jack Crisp, who has had a quieter month, back to half-back. The losses, meanwhile, mount for Collingwood – three in their past four matches, with Hawthorn to come this week off a five-day break, followed by Adelaide in Adelaide. They have now lost top spot and their grip on a place in the top four looks shaky. It is a recoverable situation, but there are problems. There is a suggestion the players have been through a heavier pre-finals training block, which would explain some sluggishness. But does it explain being beaten so badly in clearances? Being beaten around the ball? Does it explain broken tackles and a lack of pressure? Does it speak to a defence that is easily separated and exploited? Jeremy Howe and Beau McCreery are, for differing reasons, important outs for Collingwood. Howe has been missed in each of their defeats (he was subbed out in one), and is critical to organising the defence. He is smart, reads the ball coming in and manages the other defenders while still taking intercept marks or help spoil contests. Loading Charlie Dean has looked out of his depth and Darcy Moore was poor and beaten by a second-year player. He gave up another bag of goals. McCreery's pressure and aggression around contests is elite and was missed against Brisbane, whose settled midfield was so much cleaner. Ned Long has come back to earth after a very good period. Collingwood was exposed by their lesser players. Long, Charlie Dean, Oleg Markov and Will Hoskin-Elliott all failed to have an impact, while the older players Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom were quiet. But, as with most clubs, it is the bigger-name players who will make the biggest difference. Bobby Hill's return and Jordy De Goey getting three quarters of game time after missing most of the year were the most significant and encouraging developments on Saturday for a midfield that has been too reliant on Nick Daicos. Finding the key to unlocking Houston's impact would also help revive their flag prospects. Cats purr Geelong quietly monstered yet another poor team. The Cats didn't choose their draw – the teams they play twice and their schedule of home games – at the start of the year. But if they did, this is the fixture they'd have chosen. My colleague Jake Niall has been beating the drum of the inequitable draft and, in particular, the generous fixture bestowed on the Cats. And he's done so for good reason: a team that finished fourth last year was drawn to play Richmond, St Kilda, Essendon and Port twice this year. No one at the start of the year would figure three of those for finals, while Port was plainly in transition and most likely sliding. Even Port knew that; they organised a coaching succession plan before the season even started. The top eight teams the Cats did get twice – Brisbane and GWS – beat them in all four encounters. Yet, Brisbane could still finish below the Cats on the ladder. A romp like Sunday's over Port was not just training run, it bloated the percentage. The Cats have Essendon, Sydney and Richmond to come, which gives them the chance to rest players without actually leaving them out of the team. Hawks' bad day Hawthorn's biggest concern now is not what happens to their finals chances without Will Day. That is almost inconsequential to the bigger picture of what now happens to Day. A third navicular injury – his second this year – is alarming. He missed the first five games last year with a foot injury, 16 games this year because of his navicular, and now has done it again after just two games back. Hawthorn's concern now will be getting him over the foot problems, no mater how long it takes. Incidentally, and this is no comment on Hawthorn or Day, but why was the game stopped for Day having cramp (it was not his foot that was the problem at the time)? Ridiculous over-correction. Culley thrives A small mercy for the Demons after a tough week. Maybe it was because he was playing his old side that Jai Culley looked comfortable, but it was the sort of performance that had you wonder where this has been for the tall, rangy former Eagle. Loading Playing a sort of Ollie Dempsey role, he pushed forward hard from a wing, kicked a couple of goals and was a surprising target for the Demons. His mark for his second goal, off two steps arching his back and reaching high, bending into the players coming the other way was as elegant as it was effective. He was allowed to jump unchecked at the ball which is a luxury he will not often get, and he will play better opposition teams, but he provided a sweet bonus to the crisis-calming victory for the Demons.
