AFL live updates: Fremantle Dockers host Hawthorn Hawks in Thursday night blockbuster

The two hottest teams in the competition will meet as Fremantle host Hawthorn in what could be an early finals preview. Follow all the action live!

Headshot of Jake Santa Maria
Jake Santa Maria
The West Australian
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 07: Jye Amiss of the Dockers celebrates a goal during the round nine AFL match between Fremantle Dockers and Hawthorn Hawks at Optus Stadium, on May 07, 2026, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 07: Jye Amiss of the Dockers celebrates a goal during the round nine AFL match between Fremantle Dockers and Hawthorn Hawks at Optus Stadium, on May 07, 2026, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images) Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

AFL: The two hottest teams in the competition will meet as Fremantle host Hawthorn in what could be an early finals preview.

The Dockers haven’t lost to Hawthorn at home since the 2015 preliminary final and are on a hot-streak of seven straight wins.

The Hawks are unbeaten in their last seven, coming off a draw with Collingwood in what will be the biggest test yet of Fremantle’s premiership credentials.

Follow all the action live!

Josh Battle shares his thoughts

“I’m feeling good they’re a very good outfit and playing some really good footy so it’s going to be a huge test for us,” he says.

“Barrass and I are coming together, building that synergy; we’re getting to know each other really well.

“We’ll have our work cut out for us. Barrass will probably take the deepest, and I’ll take the next one.”

Josh Treacy doesn’t care which defender he gets

“Thankfully [the eye] ok, I can see out of it clearly tonight, which is a positive,” he says on Fox.

“I think I might just run away from everyone to stay safe.

“If feels like we’ve been challenged very week so far and it’s a great opportunity to be back in front of the fans.

“I’m the forward, and they’ve got to play on me, so whether I’ve got Tom Barrass or Josh Battle, I don’t mind.”

No late changes

Both Fremantle and Hawthorn will go in as named with Judd McVee returning for the Dockers in place of Jeremy Sharp.

The Hawks have made three changes with Max Ramsden, Sam Butler and debutant Bodie Ryan brought in.

Purple Hands

A reminder that tonight’s game is Fremantle’s Purple Hands Foundation Game, which raises money to help young people overcome barriers through sport.

Fans at the ground are encouraged to grab a free wristband upon entry to take part in the three-quarter-time light show.

Welcome

Hello and welcome to Thursday night footy in what looms as the game of the round as the second-placed Fremantle take on third-placed Hawthorn.

Both sides are unbeaten in their last seven and for Fremantle this is their biggest test of their premiership credentials.

A win would also put them temporarily on top of the ladder.

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