Top-of-the-ladder Fremantle have been installed as outright premiership favourites by bookmakers following Brisbane's second consecutive defeat. The Dockers are now the league's top flag pick with most betting agencies after the two-time reigning premiers slipped up against Greater Western Sydney on Sunday, conceding the biggest third-quarter score in VFL/AFL history.
Blockbuster Showdown at the Gabba
Fremantle and Brisbane face off at the Gabba on Saturday in a high-stakes blockbuster. Justin Longmuir's side extended their winning run to a club-record 10 games with a 30-point victory over Ross Lyon's St Kilda on Friday night. Major betting sites have Freo between $5 and $6 to win their maiden premiership this year, while some share top billing with Geelong after their win over Sydney.
From Underdogs to Favourites
Before the season, Fremantle were on the seventh line of betting, alongside Western Bulldogs, trailing behind Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hawthorn, Geelong, Sydney, and Adelaide. However, they have rocketed to the top by winning their last 10 games. Despite their form, they face their biggest test since the round one loss to Geelong. The Dockers have lost their past five meetings at the Gabba.
AFL legend Matthew Lloyd said they are deserving flag favourites if they can topple the Lions. The Essendon champion pointed to Fremantle's fourth-quarter blitzes against St Kilda and Hawthorn in recent weeks, describing them as "destructive."
Expert Opinions on Fremantle's Credentials
Former Port Adelaide coach and premiership-winning Geelong assistant Ken Hinkley dismissed the notion that a team needs deep September experience to be legitimate contenders. "If you're ready, you're ready," Hinkley told SEN. "Your list has got to have great depth, and they've got that. They've got match-winners on every line—you can win a flag."
West Coast's 2018 premiership-winning coach Adam Simpson agreed, highlighting the Dockers' on-field leadership and composure. "Their ability to control a game and momentum during quarters... this team works it out themselves," Simpson said. "If they finish top two and get two home finals, it'll be a different story than Adelaide last year."
Fremantle were knocked out in the semifinal in 2023 before a surprise elimination final loss to Gold Coast last year. But with a 10-game winning streak and a chance to prove themselves at the Gabba, the Dockers are now the team to beat.
