Fremantle have reached the AFL preliminary final after beating Geelong by 14 points, but the Dockers have been warned their work is far from complete before facing Sydney.
The minor premiers prevailed 18.12 (120) to 16.10 (106) at Optus Stadium on Friday night, holding off a determined Geelong challenge to keep their premiership hopes alive.
Fremantle will now travel to Sydney for a last-four clash with the Swans, who earned a home preliminary final after defeating Brisbane in the qualifying finals. The match will be played at the SCG, with the winner progressing to the grand final.
The Dockers entered the semi-final under pressure after their home defeat by Hawthorn in the opening week of the finals. Their victory over Geelong restored momentum, but the players have been urged not to treat the result as the completion of their campaign.
Sydney are expected to be weakened by a string of injuries as they prepare for the meeting, giving Fremantle an opportunity to reach the grand final. However, the Dockers have claimed underdog status for the contest despite finishing the home-and-away season as the competition’s minor premiers.
Fremantle’s win over Geelong was their second victory against the Cats this season, following a nine-point success at Optus Stadium in June. They will need another composed performance in Sydney if they are to take the final step towards a maiden AFL premiership.
