RECAP: Chad Warner returns to Perth as Fremantle Dockers host Sydney Swans at Optus Stadium
Fremantle host a desperate Sydney searching for their first win of the season, while the Dockers hope to bounce back from a disappointing season-opening loss.
The Swans are 0-2 after back-to-back home defeats to flag contenders Hawthorn and reigning premiers Brisbane, and won’t want to head into their round three bye winless.
In their first home game for 2025, Fremantle need to make a statement after a 78-point demolition by Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.
Star recruit Shai Bolton will make his club debut, while midfielder Neil Erasmus and tall forward Pat Voss have been recalled. Ruckman Liam Reidy and defender Karl Worner have been dropped, while Sam Switkowki (groin) is injured.
Top draftee Murphy Reid will also play his first game at Optus Stadium, after a show-stopping four-goal blitz against the Cats.
For Sydney, all eyes will be on superstar midfielder Chad Warner, as speculation continues over his future.
Follow all the action in our live blog.
Early notes
Sydney tagger James Jordon went straight to Fremantle star Caleb Serong at the opening bounce.
He kept Lachie Neale to just 10 touches last week, his lowest disposal tally since he was a Docker.
A slight concern for the Swans early with important forward Tom Papley clutching his right shoulder - but he’s staying out there.
Matthew Johnson gave Sydney star Chad Warner a not so warm welcome, bumping him to the ground off the ball.
Huddle up!
Fremantle captain Alex Pearce has won the toss and headed straight to the goal-square.
The Dockers are holding their huddle close to the cheer squad this season, in one of a raft of changes to the club’s game-day routine.
Bailey Banfield, Neil Erasmus, Nathan O’Driscoll, Luke Ryan and sub Josh Draper will start on the bench.
Crowd slow to build
It’s still fairly thin around the ground just 10 minutes before bouncedown, with those train delays clearly impacting a portion of the crowd.
The Dockers’ banner shouts out Luke Jackson for his 100 games, and the players run through it ahead of what is a big afternoon.
Freo have never recovered from a 0-2 start to a season to go on to play finals, and will be desperate to avoid the prospect of trying to overcome that piece of history.
A view from the rooms
Dockers defensive duo Luke Ryan and Jordan Clark showing plenty of love
What a Chad
Chad Warner is out on the turf going through his warm-ups.
Plenty of eyes will be on him in the west with the Swans star out of contract at the end of the season.
Although reports of him coming home have cooled in recent days, until he re-signs both Dockers and Eagles fans will hope he can be in their colours next year.
Travel chaos
Train delays are causing chaos for Dockers fans.
Hello
And welcome to Optus Stadium.
Final teams have just dropped and there are no late changes for either side.
Versatile defender Josh Draper is the sub for Freo, West Aussie midfielder Angus Sheldrick fills that role for Sydney.
Chad Warner was one of the first Swans out on the field today, spotted chatting with former East Fremantle teammate Jeremy Sharp boundary-side.
We’re an hour away from bouncedown, which is 3.10pm local time.
