Arabic version: هاثورن يصدم فريمانتل ويحجز نهائيًا تمهيديًا على أرضه
According to ABC News, Hawthorn has beaten minor premier Fremantle by 32 points in a Perth qualifying final, earning a week off and a home preliminary final at the MCG. The Hawks won 10.12 (72) to 5.10 (40), ending Fremantle’s perfect 12-0 record at Perth Stadium this season.
Hawthorn established control early, kicking six goals to one in the first half. Nick Watson’s soccered goal helped start a run of four consecutive Hawks goals, while Jack Gunston kicked two clutch goals and Dylan Moore added two majors. Watson finished with two goals from 19 disposals.
Fremantle had been the dominant team through the home-and-away season, compiling a league-best 19-4 record and a 14-game winning streak at one point. But the Dockers managed just 1.4 (10) in the first half, their lowest first-half score in a final, in front of 59,446 fans — their largest home crowd.
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell said his side forced errors when Fremantle tried to move through the corridor, while praising captain James Sicily and co-captain Jai Newcombe for producing important moments. Sicily, Tom Barrass and Josh Battle helped restrict Fremantle forwards Jye Amiss, Josh Treacy and Patrick Voss to two goals and 19 disposals combined.
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir said 20 back-half turnovers in the first half caused the damage and pointed to his side’s inefficiency despite having 57 inside 50s to Hawthorn’s 51. The Dockers will host either Geelong or Carlton in a semi-final in Perth, needing a win to avoid a straight-sets exit.
