Relentless Hawks Embrace Pressure in AFL Finals Stunner
Hawthorn’s pressure game forced 57 tackles and repeat turnovers as Will Day finished with 24 disposals in his first final after injury.
- On Thursday, Hawthorn upset minor premier Fremantle by 32 points at Optus Stadium, securing a home preliminary final. The Hawks dominated the qualifying final 10.12 to 5.10 before 59,446 fans.
- Coach Sam Mitchell's side deployed relentless pressure to dismantle the Dockers, who entered undefeated at home this season. Hawthorn forced 32 defensive half turnovers—their most in a game all year—preventing Fremantle's running game.
- James Sicily led the defensive effort with 26 disposals and 12 intercept possessions, while Fremantle's key forwards Josh Treacy, Jye Amiss, and Pat Voss combined for only two goals. Will Day recorded 24 disposals in his first final after missing two years through injury.
- Advancing to a home preliminary final keeps Hawthorn two MCG wins away from its 14th premiership. Fremantle must face either Geelong or Carlton next week in a must-win semi-final to extend their season.
- Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir said the loss was "not the way we wanted it to go, but we are not dead and buried," backing his group to bounce back. The Dockers face elimination next week if they cannot defeat Geelong or Carlton.
10 Articles
10 Articles
So good for so long this year, Dockers wilt at inopportune time against Hawks
Minor premier Fremantle will have to do it the hard way if the club is to win its maiden AFL flag after putting in — by some distance — their worst shift of the season, losing by 32 points to a brilliant Hawthorn.
‘You have to hope for a time like this’: The full story behind Will Day’s tears
This article is on Hawthorn star Will Day who finally played his first finals match in the qualifying final win over Fremantle at Optus Stadium on Thursday night. The grandson of Hawks 1971 premiership player Robert Day, Day is trying to forge his own career but keeps battling shoulder injuries. The Hawks will host a preliminary final at the MCG in two weeks time.
What we learned: Pressure can win Hawks the flag; the massive warning sign for Freo
The Hawks' outstanding pressure can win them a premiership, but the Dockers have a big problem after a 'morale-sapping' home qualifying final loss. Here's three things we learned from Hawthorn's win over Fremantle.
Dockers v Hawks player ratings: From a skipper’s career night, to the gun forwards who disappeared
This article offers player ratings for every player in the Fremantle and Hawthorn AFL qualifying final at Optus Stadium in Perth on September 3 2026. Four-time AFLW premiership player Libby Birch and Scott Spits rate the players.
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