The Fremantle Dockers host the Hawthorn Hawks in Round 9 of the 2026 AFL Premiership Season at Optus Stadium on Thursday, May 7, 2026. Furthermore, this top-of-the-table clash sees Fremantle (2nd) face third-placed Hawthorn in a Thursday-night blockbuster with significant ladder implications.
In addition, Fremantle enter the match unbeaten in their last seven games, while Hawthorn arrive on the back of a thrilling 93-all draw with Collingwood at the MCG. Moreover, both teams sit inside the projected top-10 Wildcard finals zone after eight rounds. As a result, this fixture carries heavyweight playoff implications for both clubs.
Match Details
The game starts at 6:10 PM local AWST time at Optus Stadium in Perth. Furthermore, the match is broadcast across multiple international networks, with the contest set to draw a sell-out crowd at the 60,000-seat venue.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Fremantle vs Hawthorn |
| Tournament | AFL 2026 Premiership Season |
| Round | Round 9 |
| Date | Thursday, May 7, 2026 |
| Local Time (AWST) | 6:10 PM |
| AEST | 8:10 PM |
| Venue | Optus Stadium, Perth |
| Capacity | Approximately 60,000 |
| Match Type | Regular season |
How Are Both Teams Performing?
Furthermore, both Fremantle and Hawthorn have been among the AFL’s most in-form sides through the opening eight rounds of the season.
Fremantle Form
Fremantle have won seven games in a row across Rounds 2 to 8, marking the first time coach Justin Longmuir has guided the Dockers to such an extended winning streak. Specifically, the Dockers’ 12-point win over the Western Bulldogs in Round 8 highlighted their ability to win ugly when needed. Moreover, the Dockers boast the fewest points conceded across the AFL this season, with their disciplined defensive structure built around Brennan Cox, Alex Pearce, and Luke Ryan.
Hawthorn Form
Hawthorn arrive at Optus Stadium unbeaten in 2026 after a thrilling 93-all draw with Collingwood at the MCG in Round 8. Furthermore, Dylan Moore’s clutch kick in the final moments rescued the Hawks’ undefeated run. In addition, Sam Mitchell’s side has won four matches outright, including a 49-point thumping of Gold Coast on Anzac Day. Moreover, the Hawks rank among the top three teams in points scored across the league.
Form Comparison
The form table below compares both teams across their last 5 matches.
Fremantle Last 5 Games
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2026 | Western Bulldogs | Won 114-102 |
| Apr 25, 2026 | Carlton | Won 103-89 |
| Apr 19, 2026 | West Coast | Won 97-41 |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Collingwood | Won 45-39 |
| Apr 3, 2026 | Adelaide | Won 78-76 |
Hawthorn Last 5 Games
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 30, 2026 | Collingwood | Drew 93-93 |
| Apr 25, 2026 | Gold Coast | Won 112-63 |
| Apr 18, 2026 | Port Adelaide | Won 89-86 |
| Apr 11, 2026 | Western Bulldogs | Won 104-64 |
| Apr 6, 2026 | Geelong | Won (Round 4) |
Team News and Injury Report
Both sides have made a handful of changes for Round 9. Furthermore, the injury list and player rotations are below.
Fremantle Team Selection
Fremantle have made one change for Round 9, with Josh McVee coming in for the omitted Jed Sharp.
- B: Brennan Cox, Alex Pearce, Heath Chapman
- HB: Jordan Clark, Luke Ryan, Karl Worner
- C: Nathan Erasmus, Andrew Brayshaw, Michael Johnson
- HF: Shai Bolton, Matt Reid, Sam Switkowski
- F: Patrick Voss, Josh Treacy, Jye Amiss
- R: Luke Jackson, Hayden Young, Caleb Serong
- I/C: Michael Frederick, Isaiah Dudley, Josh McVee, Murphy Cox, Corey Wagner
- IN: Josh McVee
- OUT: Jed Sharp (omitted)
Hawthorn Team Selection
Hawthorn have made three changes, with Bailey Ryan, Sam Butler, and Max Ramsden all coming into the side.
- B: James Sicily, Tom Barrass, Jarman Impey
- HB: Bailey Ryan, Jarrod Battle, Brock Hardwick
- C: Massimo D’Ambrosio, Cameron Mackenzie, Josh Weddle
- HF: Sam Butler, Matt Lewis, Jack Gunston
- F: Dylan Moore, Mason Lewis, Nick Watson
- R: Ned Reeves, Jai Newcombe, Jack Ward
- I/C: Karl Amon, Calsher Nash, Lloyd Meek, Jack Ginnivan, Connor Macdonald
- IN: Bailey Ryan, Sam Butler, Max Ramsden
- OUT: Calsher Dear (injured), Jack Scrimshaw (omitted), Finn Maginness (omitted)
Fremantle Injury List
Fremantle’s injury list features four key players sidelined.
| Player | Reason | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Jaeger O’Meara | Face | 2 weeks |
| Sean Darcy | Calf | 2-4 weeks |
| Sam Sturt | Knee | 7-8 weeks |
| Brandon Walker | Concussion | Test |
Hawthorn Injury List
Hawthorn carry four players on the injury list across short-term absences.
| Player | Reason | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| James Blanck | Shoulder | 1 week |
| Mabior Chol | Hamstring | 1-2 weeks |
| Calsher Dear | Adductor | 1-2 weeks |
| Will Day | Shoulder | 2-3 weeks |
Key Players to Watch
Furthermore, both sides feature several match-winners across all positions.
Fremantle Key Players
Andrew Brayshaw: The Dockers midfielder is one of the most consistent performers in the league. Specifically, his projected 102 fantasy points reflects his ball-winning ability across the centre square.
Luke Jackson: The ruckman is the highest-projected scorer in the entire Round 9 slate, with 105.7 projected points. Moreover, his role as Fremantle’s primary ruck and mobile big man has been central to their seven-game winning streak.
Shai Bolton: The half-forward provides Fremantle’s attacking spark with his speed and finishing. In addition, his projected 85.7 fantasy points highlights his impact across multiple positions.
Hawthorn Key Players
Jai Newcombe: The Hawks midfielder is the highest-paid player in the slate, although Fantasy Insider rates him as a “fade” option. Specifically, his projected 97.4 points may not justify his $15,350 salary.
Connor Macdonald: The half-forward is Hawthorn’s leading scorer in the slate with 90.3 projected points. Moreover, his ability to convert from outside the 50-metre arc has been crucial to the Hawks’ attack.
Lloyd Meek: The Hawks ruckman provides genuine value at $9,090 with 81.3 projected points. In addition, his contest work against Luke Jackson will be one of the key match-ups.
Betting Odds for Fremantle vs Hawthorn
Furthermore, the bookmakers have priced Fremantle as the marginal favourite ahead of the Round 9 clash.
| Bookmaker | Fremantle Win | Hawthorn Win | Total Points (O/U 175.5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sportsbet | $1.62 | $2.40 | $1.91 / $1.91 |
| TAB | $1.65 | $2.35 | $1.91 / $1.91 |
| Bet365 | $1.65 | $2.40 | $1.91 / $1.91 |
| BetEasy | $1.62 | $2.40 | $1.91 / $1.91 |
| Pointsbet | $1.65 | $2.35 | $1.91 / $1.91 |
In addition, the line is set at Fremantle -8.5 points across most major bookmakers.
Stats Insider Model Prediction
Specifically, the Stats Insider model rates Fremantle as marginal favourites at home. Furthermore, the projected total points are 175.5, with Fremantle winning by 8 to 10 points.
- Fremantle to win: 62%
- Hawthorn to win: 38%
- Predicted margin: Fremantle by 8 to 10 points
- Predicted total: 178 points
- Both teams to score 80+: Yes (probability 75%)
Expert Tips for Round 9
In addition, Trystan Pugh of The Stats Zone backs Fremantle to win, citing the Dockers’ status as the team conceding the fewest points in the AFL this season. Specifically, the home advantage at Optus Stadium and Fremantle’s defensive setup tilt the call towards the home side.
- Fremantle to win at home
- Total points under 175.5
- Andrew Brayshaw 30+ disposals
- Luke Jackson over 30 hitouts
Where to Watch Fremantle vs Hawthorn Round 9
Furthermore, the match is broadcast across multiple international networks. The Fremantle vs Hawthorn Round 9 fixture is available across the following platforms.
| Platform | Coverage | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Channel 7 | Live broadcast | Australia |
| Fox Footy | Live broadcast | Australia |
| Kayo Sports | Live streaming | Australia |
| Watch AFL | Live streaming | Worldwide |
| TNT Sports | Live broadcast | UK |
| HBO Max | Live streaming | UK |
| Fox Sports | Selected matches | United States |
Suggested Reads:
Match Prediction: Fremantle to Win at Home
In summary, Fremantle look strong favourites to extend their winning streak to eight games on home soil at Optus Stadium. Furthermore, the Dockers’ league-best defensive record and the home crowd advantage tilt the prediction towards the home side.
Specifically, Hawthorn’s three player changes and the Hawks’ demanding travel schedule make this a difficult fixture for the visitors. Moreover, Justin Longmuir’s tactical control should ensure the Dockers nullify Hawthorn’s attacking threats.
Final Prediction: Fremantle to win by 8 to 12 points
Frequently Asked Questions
Specifically, the match starts at 6:10 PM local AWST time, equivalent to 8:10 PM AEST on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
Furthermore, the match is being played at Optus Stadium in Perth, with a capacity of approximately 60,000.
In addition, the match is available on Channel 7, Fox Footy, and Kayo Sports in Australia, with international viewers able to watch via Watch AFL and TNT Sports in the UK.
Moreover, Fremantle are slight favourites at home, with bookmakers pricing them at $1.62 to win.
Specifically, Fremantle are unbeaten in their last seven matches, while Hawthorn are also unbeaten in 2026, with their Round 8 fixture against Collingwood ending in a 93-all draw.
