A date with destiny awaits this weekend as we learn once and for all who will play in the 2026 AFL Grand Final.
Two fascinating Prelim games stand between now and the most famous day in September, and as in years past, there’s a genuine case to be made for all four remaining clubs.
The Swans step out on the SCG with fresh legs to host minor premiers Fremantle on Friday night, while the Lions are back to the MCG hoping to replicate their dominant win over the Hawks only five weeks earlier.
Who makes it through? Best bets and analysis ahead of a stacked Preliminary Finals weekend below!
The Dockers leave Perth for the first time in several weeks after finally hitting the button on Wharfie Time during last Friday’s win over the Cats.
Luke Jackson was instrumental in the 14-point victory, showcasing why he is indeed one of the craftiest rucks in the game with two goals and 25 touches to his name.
Unlike a week earlier against the Hawks, the Dockers burst out of the blocks to lead by four goals at the quarter time, although some nervy moments followed when the Cats managed to trim the margin to eight points with a minute remaining in the game.
Early dominance was the theme of Sydney’s monster Qualifying Final win over the Lions two weeks ago, although many are wondering whether the Swans have already played their Grand Final.
Unlocking the best of Errol Gulden will be the biggest challenge if the Swans are to continue their magical run in the face of adversity, while at the same time, they need to find a way to stop the Dockers around the clearances and limit Jackson’s involvement.
How Freo handles the dimensions of the SCG is also a challenge given they haven’t played at this venue in just over a year.
All up, this a coin flip game and one you could argue either way, but if the Dockers take care of the footy and manage to set up their dominant uncontested marking game early, they’ll be one step closer to a well-deserved spot in the Grand Final.
Prediction: Fremantle to Cover (-11.5 Points) @ $1.90
Value: Fremantle 1-39 @ $2.25
Player Pick: Errol Gulden Anytime Goalkicker @ $2.65
The Hawks have had nightmares about the Lions since they went down by 67 points at the Gabba just over a month ago, and after watching Brisbane beat up on the Crows last week, coach Sam Mitchell might be having flashbacks.
The back to back premiers returned to their dangerous best, wasting no time piling on five unanswered goals within the first 10 minutes, before Daniel Curtin finally got the Crows on the board.
Just like Freo, though, the Lions left the door open for Adelaide to come roaring back, finding themselves within 10 points before Chris Fagan’s side again put their foot down.
Defensively, the Lions have looked vulnerable in more ways than one this year, and although the Hawks were flogged when these two sides last met, the stat sheet was relatively even in a few key departments.
Hawthorn lost the inside 50 count by a big margin, but won the clearances and were dominant winning hit outs in the ruck.
Where the Hawks went wrong was finding targets inside their forward half, opting for an aerial assault, rather than testing Brisbane’s ability to defend ground balls – which is where players like Nick Watson excel.
Expect a different approach from Sam Mitchell this time around, and with an extra week to prepare, there’s every reason to believe in the Hawks and their coach – especially if they can bring that same brand of composed, high pressure footy that caused Freo plenty of headaches.
Prediction: Hawks to Cover (+2.5 Points) @ $1.90
Value: Hawks to Win & Over 184.5 Total Points @ $3.80
Player Pick: Nick Watson 3+ Goals @ $1.98