Friday night at Gather Round 2026 brings a blockbuster clash from Adelaide Oval. The up-and-coming Fremantle Dockers take on the veteran Collingwood Magpies in front of a sold-out crowd, how good is footy?

The Dockers strengthened their premiership credentials with a 78-76 win over Adelaide last Friday and will be looking for back-to-back wins in the city of churches.

Captain Alex Pearce provided the match-winning smother, while Caleb Serong put on an inspired performance, finishing with 32 disposals and eight tackles.

Meanwhile, Collingwood will be looking to respond after a heavy 119-65 loss to Brisbane at the Gabba, which saw Nick Daicos pull out prior to the whistle due to a corked calf.

The Magpies are confident their superstar will be available on Friday. So, there’s no reason to be alarmed; the Nick Daicos show will almost certainly be on display this Friday night in Radelaide.  

However, Fremantle won the most recent meeting between these sides, defeating Collingwood 79-78 in a classic at the MCG in Round 19 last season.

Unsurprisingly, Serong starred in that one too.

With both sides desperate to prove their top-four credentials, this neutral-ground clash is set to be a classic and could be close to Match of the Round. 

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Collingwood Magpies vs Fremantle Round 5 prediction and preview below.

Collingwood Magpies vs Fremantle Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Weirdly, Fremantle decided to jet home for the week, making it back-to-back trips to Adelaide Oval. Like there’s not enough travel in their schedule.

They were incredibly impressive early and late last week against the Crows and will go into this clash as very warm favourites.

Josh Treacy is in sparkling form, Jye Amiss came alive last week with four majors and the mid-forwards are airborne. Shai Bolton and Murphy Reid have been genuinely sensational.

The Pies were lucky to be as close as they were against Brisbane, says Chris Fagan, and I agree. There are genuine concerns for the Pies and they extend further than Nick Daicos missing games.

On neutral territory, you’d give Collingwood a puncher’s chance but if Freo are as good as they’ve looked so far this season, we’d expect to see them handle their business here.

While the Pies' veterans like Steele Sidebottom and Scott Pendlebury bring the experience, the sheer energy of this young Dockers unit looks hard to contain.

Betting tip: Fremantle Dockers by 18 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Josh Treacy is in the middle of a true breakout season, showing the footy world exactly why former Fremantle skipper Peter Bell has given him such massive wraps as a future leader.

Treacy’s physical presence and ability to take screaming contested marks have made him a nightmare for opposition defenders to handle.

He loves the big stage and has become a focal point of the Dockers' attacking forays. With his confidence sky-high, we expect Treacy to use his athleticism to carve out space early and slot the game's opening goal.

Betting tip: Josh Treacy.

Most Disposals Prediction

This match looms as a heavyweight bout between two of the competition's elite ball-winners: Caleb Serong and Nick Daicos. Whoever gains the upper hand in this midfield scrap will go a long way toward deciding the final result.

Nick Daicos is a wizard with the ball, averaging over 30 disposals this season before missing last week with a cork.

He’ll be desperate to get the Pies over the line and dominate transition play in the middle of Adelaide Oval.

However, Caleb Serong is arguably in the form of his life, consistently racking up 30+ disposals and leading the clearance battle with an insane work rate.

While Daicos' return provides a huge boost for Collingwood, Serong’s sheer consistency and work rate in the trenches give him the edge here.

We’re backing the Freo star to outshine Daicos and lead the stats sheet in this one.

Betting tip: Caleb Serong.

Odds are subject to change. *

Collingwood Magpies vs Fremantle Dockers Predicted Team Lists

Collingwood Magpies Predicted Team List

FB: Billy Frampton, Isaac Quaynor, Brayden Maynard

HB: Dan Houston, Darcy Moore (c), Harry Perryman

C: Jack Crisp, Nick Daicos, Roan Steele

HF: Lachie Schultz, Scott Pendlebury, Beau McCreery

F: Tim Membrey, Jamie Elliott, Daniel McStay

FOLL: Darcy Cameron, Steele Sidebottom, Jordan De Goey

I/C: Patrick Lipinski, Ed Allan, Ned Long, Jack Buller, Lachlan Sullivan

Fremantle Dockers Predicted Team List

FB: Heath Chapman, Alex Pearce (c), Brennan Cox

HB: Karl Worner, Luke Ryan, Jordan Clark

C: Corey Wagner, Andrew Brayshaw, Jaeger O'Meara

HF: Sam Switkowski, Murphy Reid, Isaiah Dudley

F: Patrick Voss, Josh Treacy, Jye Amiss

FOLL: Luke Jackson, Shai Bolton, Caleb Serong

I/C: Neil Erasmus, Matthew Johnson, Judd McVee, Christopher Scerri, Brandon Walker

Collingwood Magpies vs Fremantle Dockers Match Details

Date: Friday, April 10, 2026

First Bounce: 8:10pm AEDT

Location: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports