Arabic version: فريمانتل يصمد أمام جيلونغ ويبلغ النهائي التمهيدي في دوري كرة القدم الأسترالية
According to The Guardian, Fremantle kept their 2026 AFL premiership hopes alive by defeating Geelong 18.12 (120) to 16.10 (106) in a pulsating semi-final at Optus Stadium in Perth. The 14-point victory sends the Dockers to a preliminary final against Sydney in Sydney next week.
Luke Jackson led Fremantle’s response after the side faced the prospect of a straight-sets finals exit. The ruckman delivered a major display, kicking two late goals in the third quarter and creating another for Patrick Voss as Fremantle regained the lead.
In front of 59,725 fans on Friday night, the Dockers began strongly and opened a 38-7 advantage. Geelong fought back and moved in front during the third quarter after Oliver Henry kicked three quick goals, turning the semi-final into a seesawing contest.
Fremantle established a 24-point lead before Geelong reduced the margin to eight points with 75 seconds remaining. Wharfie Time, played for only the second time this year, sparked the Optus Stadium crowd, and Voss kicked his fourth goal from the ensuing centre clearance to secure the result.
