Fremantle’s semi-final against Geelong at Optus Stadium has been confirmed for Friday night, giving the minor premiers an immediate chance to revive their AFL campaign after their 32-point qualifying-final defeat by Hawthorn.
The Dockers will host the Cats from 6.10pm AWST on Friday, September 11, with the winner earning a preliminary-final meeting with Sydney. Hawthorn, meanwhile, advanced directly to a home preliminary final after beating Fremantle 10.12 (72) to 5.10 (40) on Thursday.
More than 59,000 spectators attended Fremantle’s opening home final and another strong crowd is expected, with tickets likely to be in high demand. The Dockers’ defeat also leaves them at risk of becoming the second minor premier in successive seasons to exit the finals in straight sets, following Adelaide in 2025.
Fremantle and Geelong have already met twice this season, with the Cats winning by 10 points at GMHBA Stadium in round one before the Dockers prevailed by nine points at Optus Stadium in round 15.
The Dockers are expected to be without Brandon Walker after the defender rolled his ankle against Hawthorn. Key defender Brennan Cox, who missed the qualifying final with a calf problem, is considered unlikely to return despite Fremantle’s hopes of having him available.
Geelong will also assess Max Holmes after the winger was restricted for much of the Cats’ elimination-final victory over Carlton at the MCG. The match will be Fremantle forward Sam Switkowski’s final appearance in front of a home crowd following his retirement announcement.
Switkowski, who has been with the club since 2018, announced that he would end his playing career after Fremantle’s 2026 campaign. The club had held discussions with his management about extending his career beyond the season, but the 29-year-old decided to retire.
The other semi-final will see Brisbane host Adelaide at the Gabba. The Lions were beaten by Sydney at the SCG on Saturday, while Adelaide secured its place in the final six by overcoming the Western Bulldogs.
