The winter chill might be setting in across the country, but things are heating up beautifully in the West as we approach the business end of the AFL Season. 

Freo are currently playing a brand of football that has opposition coaches scratching their heads and looking for answers.

They look completely un-compromised across every line, blending fierce defensive pressure with a transition game that cuts teams to ribbons.

On the flip side, the Suns travel to Perth with a massive point to prove after a month of football they would rather forget.

Damien Hardwick will be demanding a fierce response from his men, especially against the benchmark of the competition. 

A game clear on top of the AFL ladder to begin Round 16, Fremantle will welcome an underperforming Gold Coast side to Optus Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

As well as extending their club-record 13-match winning streak, Fremantle will be eager for redemption in the first meeting between these clubs since Gold Coast's shock 80-79 Elimination Final win in 2025.

The Dockers’ latest outing saw them overturn a 28-point second-quarter deficit to defeat Geelong 99-90 at Optus Stadium and included a Luke Jackson masterclass (28 disposals, three goals), which further cemented him as a Brownlow Medal contender.

Elsewhere, Gold Coast dropped to a fourth straight defeat in a 113-97 result against Hawthorn at People First Stadium last Friday.

The Suns have allowed 105+ points in each of those defeats and a similarly poor defensive output would be difficult to overcome against a Dockers side that allows a league-low 69.8 points per game this season.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Fremantle vs Gold Coast Suns Round 16 prediction and preview below.

Fremantle Dockers vs Gold Coast Suns Predictions and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Can Gold Coast head across to Optus Stadium and fire a shot? The Dockers are the dominant team in the competition and will feel like they owe the Suns one after they got rolled by them in last season’s Elimination Final.

Problem is, since that moment, Gold Coast’s form has spiralled out of control whilst Fremantle are an all-conquering juggernaut with 13 wins on the spin. The Suns midfield needs to get rolling or get moved along.

Rowell, Anderson, Petracca and Miller are among the worst in the competition for every meaningful clearance category. Hard to believe but the numbers are the numbers.

This could reignite the year for Gold Coast but are they on the same page, are they willing to engage against the best team in the AFL? We think the home ground advantage and the sheer weight of momentum will be too much for the visitors to handle.

Head-to-head prediction: Fremantle Dockers by 20 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Three of the league's highest goal scorers feature in this clash - between Ben King, Jye Amiss and Josh Treacy, both teams are blessed with some serious firepower. 

We love what big Josh Treacy has been doing lately at Freo. He has fast become one of the primary focal points for the Dockers inside 50, providing an aerial target that doesn’t stop pushing forward. 

We can see him notching a few majors, including an early goal to get the home crowd into the match. 

Betting tip: Josh Treacy.

Most Disposals Prediction

Noah Anderson racked up 43 disposals in a losing side last week against Hawthorn, and we are expecting more of the same prolific output here.

Even when the Suns are struggling to contain opposition scoring, Anderson remains a shining light in their engine room.

He is a pure ball magnet who will fight until the final siren regardless of the scoreboard.

Betting tip: Noah Anderson.

Odds are subject to change.*

Fremantle Predicted Team List

FB: Brennan Cox, Alex Pearce, Heath Chapman

HB: Jordan Clark, Luke Ryan, Karl Worner

C: Michael Frederick, Andrew Brayshaw, Matthew Johnson

HF: Murphy Reid, Isaiah Dudley, Sam Switkowski

FF: Patrick Voss, Jye Amiss, Josh Treacy

FOLL: Luke Jackson, Caleb Serong, Shai Bolton

I/C: Neil Erasmus, Mason Cox, Nathan O'Driscoll, Hayden Young, Judd McVee

Gold Coast Suns Predicted Team List

FB: Sam Clohesy, Sam Collins, Mac Andrew

HB: John Noble, Bodhi Uwland, Daniel Rioli

C: Joel Jeffrey, Christian Petracca, Touk Miller

HF: Bailey Humphrey, Ben Long, Leonardo Lombard

FF: Jai Murray, Ben King, Jed Walter

FOLL: Ned Moyle, Noah Anderson, Matt Rowell

I/C: Nick Holman, Jarrod Witts, Zeke Uwland, Beau Addinsall, Oscar Adams

Fremantle Dockers vs Gold Coast Suns Match Details

Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026.

First Bounce: 5:10pm AEST

Location: Optus Stadium, Perth

How to watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports