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Live sport on SN this weekend"They're the real deal": Why Simpson is all-in on Fremantle
Nicholas Quinlan • April 4th, 2026 8:47 pm
With a 3-1 record to start this season, Fremantle have been one of the form sides in the competition.
In fact, they've been so good that former West Coast coach Adam Simpson thinks they are the real deal after their win against Adelaide.
In an epic of a Friday night match at the Adelaide Oval, Fremantle led as much as 34 points during the third quarter.
The Crows then reeled in their lead and took to the front halfway through the final quarter.
But Josh Treacy snatched the Dockers’ lead back with a goal before a flying Alex Pearce smother at the death secured the side’s first away win for 2026.
With Freo having now won their last three matches, the 2018 Premiership coach now believes they are true contenders.
“I'm all in on Fremantle,” Simpson said on SEN’s Crunch Time.
“Last year, I just didn't think they were quite ready.
“(A) bit young, bit immature, parts of the game weren't quite together, but that forward line…they just look strong and tough, and they can take a mark at any stage.
“They're relatively injury-free at the moment. (Hayden) Young is probably the only one who's unavailable.
“Their starts, we talk about the problems with clubs, either starting or finishing, but their starts this year outside of the Richmond game have been, they must be 20 goals up, on average, in total from starts.
“So, from a Fremantle point of view, I think they're the real deal.”
Simpson also acknowledged the importance of their win at the Adelaide Oval (their fifth win in 17 matches at the venue) and the confidence it will give them for future away matches.
“When you're from Perth, winning in Adelaide's the first port of call,” he continued.
“If you can start winning the Adelaide Oval games, just a little bit closer than the eastern states.
“Their away form has been pretty good, the last couple of years anyway.
“So, can they leverage off this good start to the season?”
Fremantle will be playing in South Australia for a second week in a row.
They’ll once again take to Adelaide Oval on a Friday night, but this time the Dockers take on the Magpies.
The match will begin from 7:40pm AEST, with SEN having coverage of the match on its radio network and on the SEN app from 6pm.
