Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Fremantle Dockers moved within reach of their second AFL minor premiership after recovering from a goalless first half to defeat the Sydney Swans by 38 points at a sold-out Optus Stadium last week.
The Fremantle Dockers sit two wins clear on top with a 15-2 record. Three victories from their remaining six matches would guarantee a top-two finish, while their only minor premiership came with a 17-5 season in 2015.
As AFL clubs weigh their plans beyond this season, Craig McRae has revealed the truth behind his famous Collingwood trade quote.
Flagmantle Fever Sweeps Supporters
The comeback against the second-placed Sydney Swans confirmed the Fremantle Dockers as premiership favourites. The official AFL match report details how nine final-quarter goals completed the turnaround.
Supporters have embraced the “Flagmantle” campaign, with sellout crowds becoming common and some fans booking grand final travel. The club has also raised $4 million for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
“It’s a great group of guys,” Caleb Serong said.
“Like we come in and it doesn’t feel like work. You come in and you’re just hanging out with some of your best mates and that’s what I mean when you speak about celebrating each other.”
Midfield Roles Drive Fremantle Dockers
Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw provide the contested work and are regularly targeted by opposition taggers. That attention creates room for Shai Bolton, Murphy Reid and Hayden Young to attack from the outside.
Matthew Johnson and Neil Erasmus have also benefited from a midfield structure built around clearly defined jobs.
“We all know our roles. Like I can’t do what Murphy does and what Bolts does, and potentially they might not be able to do what Andy and I can do on the other side of the ball,” Caleb Serong said.
Port Adelaide Power Face Selection Problems
The Fremantle Dockers travel to face the Port Adelaide Power on Saturday. Zak Butters, Mitch Georgiades, Jason Horne-Francis and Jack Lukosius have all been ruled out.
The Fremantle Dockers will then face the West Coast Eagles, Western Bulldogs, Melbourne Demons, Adelaide Crows and Carlton Blues. Their run leaves the 2015 club record of 17 wins within sight.
