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FWC: FRA v MAR LIVEThursday Fallout: Good luck beating Freo in Perth
SEN • July 10th, 2026 9:54 am
What did we witness?
The flags favourites were held to a measly 11 points in the first half at home. 11!
Sydney Swans, stalking in second, were hemming Fremantle back at Optus Stadium with a 33-11 half-time scoreline.
Things started to turn in the third term but nobody could predict what would happen in the fourth quarter.
Justin Longmuir’s Dockers went ballistic, kicking 9.5 in the final term to make it an even 100 points in the second half.
The Swans were out of answers. And they’re second on the ladder! What hope do the rest have (Giants aside of course), especially in Perth.
Kane Cornes and David King reckon they're impossible to beat in front of their "raucous" fans.
“I think we probably laughed at Fremantle supporters over the years, they were pretty docile,” Cornes said on SEN’s Fireball.
“Now they are raucous. The edge that it’s giving them is worth at least two or three goals. Even Justin Longmuir referenced it, ‘We know when the crowd gets involved it’s intimidating for the opposition’.
“Good luck to anyone that’s got to go there for a qualifying and then a prelim final on that venue.”
King added: “They’re nine from nine there this year, no one is going there and winning.”
That could pave the path for a Grand Final berth given they're almost a moral to finish top, and then get two home finals.
The Dockers are two games clear of the Swans and 4.5 clear of Hawthorn in third, so top spot seems inevitable.
Then they just have to navigate the bright lights of September which haven't been all that kind to Fremantle in recent times.
But this team looks more than equipped to deal with it in 2026.
As for the Swans, they need to find a way to get back on level terms with the contenders.
That's two losses in their past three and by fair margins - 43 to the Lions and 38 to Freo.
We spoke recently about a mid-season wobble. That appears to be the case for sure.
Are they good enough straighten up? They get the Crows, Giants and Saints next three to find out.
Andrew Slevison
