It’s Round 9 of the 2026 AFL Season and we have a top four clash between two flag hopefuls.

An absolute belter on our hands to open the round, Fremantle host Hawthorn at Optus stadium in what shapes as a dress-rehearsal for September footy.

With both sides sitting pretty in the top three, we’ll be in for a first-class display of footy on Thursday night.

Fremantle are currently the hottest team in the land, riding a seven-game winning streak after a gritty road win against the Bulldogs.

Meanwhile, the Hawks are coming off a rare draw against Collingwood, where Dylan Moore’s nerves of steel after the siren salvaged two premiership points.

Can Freo continue their dominance in front of a parochial Perth crowd, or will Sam Mitchell’s young Hawks find a way to dismantle the league's most suffocating defensive system?

Fremantle has historically held the wood over the Hawks, winning seven of their last eight encounters, but this 2026 Hawthorn outfit is a different beast entirely

Whether you’re a diehard Docker or a Hawks hopeful, grab your mates and head down to your local, because Thursday night in the West is going to be electric.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Fremantle Dockers vs Hawthorn Hawks Round 9 prediction and preview below.

Fremantle vs Hawthorn Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

We arrive at the game of the round with two clubs possessing legitimate premiership credentials. Fremantle has become a winning machine, finding different ways to dismantle opponents weekly.

Last week against the Dogs, they were behind the starter’s gun early but exploded in the second half, led by a career-high 16 score involvements from Shai Bolton.

The Hawks, despite dominating most key statistical areas against the Pies, were arguably lucky to escape with a draw. They’ll need to be far more clinical in front of goal if they want to silence the Optus Stadium crowd.

The individual matchups here are mouthwatering: Josh Treacy vs. Tom Barrass will be a battle of the behemoths, while the dual-threat of Bolton and rookie sensation Murphy Reid will test the Hawks' defensive discipline.

While Hawthorn’s offensive kicking prowess is dangerous, Fremantle is a well-drilled group on home soil. We think the Dockers' ability to control the tempo and their superior recent record in this fixture will be the deciding factor in a tight one.

Head-to-head prediction: Fremantle Dockers by 3 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Jack Gunston remains a permanent thorn in the side of defenders across the league. Despite the years rolling by, his athleticism remains elite and is complemented by his improved leading patterns.

He currently sits second on the Coleman Medal tally with 24 goals for the season and has a knack for opening the account in big games.

With the Hawks likely to start fast to take the early momentum, expect them to find the veteran early. Gunston rarely misses when given a look, making him our pick to slot the opener.

Betting tip: Jack Gunston.

Most Disposals Prediction

While Caleb Serong is the usual suspect for the Dockers, we are looking toward Karl Amon for the Hawks.

Amon thrives in high-pressure, tight contests where his elite distribution in defence becomes the primary outlet for Hawthorn’s transition play.

The closer the game is, the more involved Amon becomes as Hawthorn look to shift the ball out of the defensive half.

Consistently racking up high numbers in 2026, we expect him to lead the stats sheet in what should be a frantic, end-to-end encounter.

Betting tip: Karl Amon.

Fremantle vs Hawthorn Predicted Team Lists

Fremantle Predicted Team List

FB: Heath Chapman, Alex Pearce, Brennan Cox

HB: Judd McVee, Luke Ryan, Jordan Clark

C: Matthew Johnson, Andrew Brayshaw, Neil Erasmus

HF: Sam Switkowski, Murphy Reid, Shai Bolton

FF: Jye Amiss, Josh Treacy, Patrick Voss

FOLL: Luke Jackson, Hayden Young, Caleb Serong

I/C: Michael Frederick, Isaiah Dudley, Jeremy Sharp, Mason Cox, Karl Worner, Corey Wagner

Hawthorn Hawks Predicted Team List

FB: Jarman Impey, Tom Barrass, Josh Weddle

HB: Blake Hardwick, Josh Battle, Karl Amon

C: Josh Weddle, Conor Nash, Massimo D’Ambrosio

HF: Jack Gunston, Mitch Lewis, Jack Ginnivan

FF: Nick Watson, Jack Gunston, Dylan Moore

FOLL: Ned Reeves, Jai Newcombe, Josh Ward

I/C: Jack Scrimshaw, Lloyd Meek, Cam Mackenzie, Finn Maginness, Connor Macdonald, Bodie Ryan

Fremantle Dockers vs Hawthorn Hawks Match Details

Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026.

First Bounce: 8:10pm AEST / 6:10pm AEST.

Location: Optus Stadium, Perth.

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports.