Brisbane Lions’ proven record at the Melbourne Cricket Ground has sharpened questions over whether minor premiers Fremantle can perform on the biggest stage when the AFL finals begin.
The Dockers finished top of the ladder after an outstanding home-and-away campaign, but their premiership credentials are being tested by the prospect of a Grand Final at the MCG — a venue where Brisbane have repeatedly delivered in recent years.
Brisbane’s credentials were reinforced in their final home-and-away match, when they dismantled Collingwood by 63 points at the ground. Logan Morris kicked a career-best eight goals in the 25.9 (159) to 15.6 (96) victory, becoming the first Lion to achieve that feat at the MCG.
The performance left the Lions in third place and secured a qualifying final against Sydney at the MCG, giving Chris Fagan’s side another opportunity to demonstrate its comfort at the venue.
Brisbane have won the past two AFL premierships, both decided at the MCG, and are seeking an historic third consecutive flag. That recent success has prompted Lions greats to question whether Fremantle’s impressive season will translate into success at the home of the Grand Final.
The Dockers, however, have their own evidence that they can handle the ground. Fremantle have won six of their past 10 matches at the MCG since 2022, including victories over Melbourne, Collingwood and Essendon.
They also secured the 2026 minor premiership with a club-record campaign, and their strong form has made them one of the leading contenders for a maiden AFL premiership.
Fremantle will begin their finals campaign against Hawthorn at Optus Stadium on Thursday, September 3. Brisbane’s qualifying final against Sydney will follow at the MCG, with both sides holding a double chance and a direct route to the preliminary finals.
The Dockers’ challenge is therefore not simply to maintain the standards that carried them to the top of the ladder, but to show they can withstand the pressure of September football away from Perth.
