Dockers wilt against masterful Hawthorn in qualifying final

Fremantle had been so reliable for most of the AFL season, but the Dockers produced their worst performance at the worst possible time. Hawthorn, by contrast, delivered a qualifying-final masterclass at Perth Stadium, winning by 32 points.

The Hawks controlled the contest on the ground and in the air, but their work in defence proved decisive. They held Fremantle to 40 points, the Dockers’ lowest score of the season, while relentless pressure forced turnovers and stopped their opponents from launching their usual running game.

Fremantle briefly led after kicking the opening goal, only for Hawthorn to respond with six straight goals and take a 33-point advantage into halftime. The Dockers emerged with more energy in the third quarter, but every Fremantle strike brought an answer from the Hawks. The Dockers never managed two consecutive goals, and their hoped-for late comeback never arrived.

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Not dead and buried

Hawthorn’s defensive trio of James Sicily, Josh Battle and Tom Barrass shut down Fremantle’s main forwards. Josh Treacy, Jye Amiss and Pat Voss combined for only two goals, while Voss and Treacy managed just one mark between them. Sicily finished as Hawthorn’s best with 26 disposals, and Jack Gunston, Dylan Moore and Nick Watson kicked two goals each.

Jordan Clark stood out for Fremantle with 38 disposals and a spectacular mark. Coach Justin Longmuir defended his decision to select Brandon Walker for his first game since round one, hoping he could limit Watson, but Walker’s rolled ankle ended that contest early. Hawthorn now needs two wins at the MCG to claim its 14th premiership, while Fremantle must recover through the longer finals route as it pursues a first flag for the port city.

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Pretty good tussle