Two of the most alike teams in the competition will clash tonight, which makes it incredibly difficult to decide a winner, writes Mick Malthouse.
Mick Malthouse
Hawthorn assistant coach David Mackay says they have to “embrace” Fremantle’s now-famed “Wharfie Time” should it confront them in their blockbuster qualifying final at Optus Stadium tomorrow night.
Mitchell Woodcock
AFL great Nick Riewoldt has declared Fremantle’s three-headed key forward monster and superior midfield depth are the two main beasts Hawthorn must slay for any chance of a qualifying final victory.
Ben Smith
Fremantle have made a bombshell selection call on the eve of the qualifying final against Hawthorn with a dashing defender set to play his first game since round one. SEE THE FULL TEAMS.
We are in for a blockbuster on Thursday night. Here’s how Fremantle can defeat the Hawks and Hawthorn can topple the Dockers, writes Xavier Ellis.
Xavier Ellis
Ahead of Fremantle’s blockbuster qualifying final AFL expert Danielle Laidley has done a deep dive into their last meeting with Hawthorn to reveal the keys to victory.
Danielle Laidley
A cocky Hawthorn have landed in enemy territory, claiming they’re more than ready to take on the toughest task in football - minor premiers Fremantle in front of a purple army on Thursday night. SEE THE PICS.
Jake Santa Maria and Samantha Rogers
Hawthorn were rocked by Fremantle's "Wharfie Time'' in round nine, but believe that experience will hold them in good stead for their qualifying final.
Anna Harrington and Oliver Caffrey
Hawthorn defender Tom Barrass says it will be an honour to play on Fremantle spearhead Josh Treacy as the Hawks prepare for one of the toughest assignments in football in the qualifying final on September 3.
Glen Quartermain
From captains to X-factor stars, The West Australian looks at which player will have the most say over their club’s AFL finals destiny this September.
The West Australian
Hawthorn flew out of Perth on Monday morning feeling like their win over West Coast has given them the perfect preparation to play against Fremantle at Optus Stadium in the qualifying final. SEE THE PICS
Craig O'Donoghue
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell says the Hawks are coming for ‘Wharfie Time’ and the Dockers’ hostile purple army come the qualifying final.
Aaron Kirby
West Coast face a summer of soul-searching after they left one of their most disappointing defeats of 2026 until last, thrashed by Hawthorn to the tune of 62 points.
Fremantle’s quest to win an inaugural premiership will start with a qualifying final against Hawthorn after Sam Mitchell’s men fell short of leapfrogging Brisbane in third spot on the ladder.
Harley Reid is set to face scrutiny from the Match Review Officer - and a Hawthorn star may be under a cloud ahead of the qualifying final clash against Fremantle - after a poorly-executed tackle.
Chris Robinson
West Coast youngster Tom Gross says the Eagles aren’t listening to the outside noise around how much Hawthorn needs to beat them by to seal third spot ahead of their clash at Optus Stadium on Sunday night.
West Coast coach Andrew McQualter says he’s made it clear to the young Eagles that while Sunday’s clash against Hawthorn may be their final of 2026, it will be pivotal for how they start next season.
West Coast’s hopes of ending a 10-game losing streak with an upset in their final match of 2026 have been boosted with a Hawthorn star to miss the trip to Perth.
Hawthorn are preparing for an all-out assault on West Coast, with coach Sam Mitchell declaring they won’t rest any of their stars for Sunday’s twilight clash at Optus Stadium on the eve of finals.
Veteran West Coast utility Jack Graham has declared “enough is enough”, now it is time for the next generation of Eagles to follow his verbal lead and draw a line in the sand against Hawthorn.
Brisbane’s coach was caught off guard after star midfielder Lachie Neale secretly toured Collingwood’s headquarters the day before a big Lions loss.
Marco Monteverde
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has tried to pour cold water on an exclusive report that they had spent time training to cope with Fremantle’s famed ‘Wharfie Time’ which cost them a victory earlier this year.
Hawthorn master coach Sam Mitchell is open to taking calls from rival clubs as contract negotiations with the Hawks remain paused, according to 7SPORT expert Tom Morris.
7News digital staff
‘We are beyond excited to have him.’
Digital Staff
