Fremantle Dockers vs Melbourne Demons Prediction - Round 2 2026

Experiencing opposite results during Round 1, Fremantle and Melbourne will face off at Optus Stadium for AFL’s Round 2 on Saturday afternoon.

The highly touted Dockers capitulated last week against Geelong, blowing a 35-point lead to lose 110-100.

Elsewhere, the Dees’ claimed a surprise 120-107 victory over St Kilda at the MCG in Steven King’s first match as the club’s coach, led by Jacob van Rooyen’s career-best six-goal performance.

The win against a competitive St Kilda side looked like a turning of the page for Melbourne, who so often squandered opportunities in tight games in 2025. 

Fremantle and Melbourne met on just one occasion during the 2025 season, seeing the latter secure an unlikely 107-97 win at the MCG in Round 6. Kysaiah Pickett was instrumental for the Demons that afternoon, totalling 24 disposals, 10 score involvements and five goals.

The Demons were aided by a combined 75 disposals from Jack Viney, Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca, none of whom will be there on Saturday. 

It’s a new look Demons, who will have to find their way in this match without a host of stars from last year's win.

Fremantle will be looking to dispatch the Dees in the West, in front of a packed Optus Stadium, at a time when footy has never been more popular in the West.

For the latest team news, analysis and expert insights, check out our Fremantle Dockers vs Melbourne Demons Round 2 prediction and preview below.

Fremantle Dockers vs Melbourne Demons Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

The Dockers looked like world-beaters after a quarter of footy in Geelong last week, only to give up a five-goal lead and go home empty-handed.

For Melbourne, they’re as hard as any club to get a handle on, but after 120 minutes of footy, Dees fans ought to be fairly positive with the start to the year. 

Scoring, speed and sublime ball movement were all on display last week.

Class should prevail here, though. Fremantle are a well-drilled group with weapons across the park and on home soil, we anticipate a more complete performance across the four quarters.

Judd McVee against the old mob is always fun, while Neil Erasmus was one who caught the eye last week in a strong performance for the losing Dockers outfit.

Freo’s major question is around the make-up of its big men. Luke Jackson is a machine and Josh Treacy is a beacon of hope around the footy, but with Mason Cox waiting in the wings, it's an interesting time for Freo fans.

Head-to-head prediction: Fremantle by 24 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Josh Treacy has fast become the focal point of the Fremantle attack and the big man will be a target for Freo’s mids early.

After a narrow loss on the road, look for Treacy to impose himself at Optus Stadium and get the Dockers on the board with a trademark contested mark and goal.

Betting tip: Josh Treacy.

Most Disposals Prediction

While Judd McVee going up against his former side provides a great narrative for this clash, his teammate Caleb Serong enters the match at the peak of his powers.

Consistently racking up 25+ disposals in big games, look for Serong to be constantly winning possessions against the less experienced Dees midfield.

He should dominate the clearance battle and find plenty of Sherrin under the bright lights of Optus Stadium. 

Betting tip: Caleb Serong. 

Odds are subject to change.*

Fremantle Dockers vs Melbourne Demons Predicted Teams

Fremantle Predicted Team List

FB: Heath Chapman, Oscar McDonald, Corey Wagner

HB: Judd McVee, Brandon Walker, Jordan Clark

C: Matthew Johnson, Andrew Brayshaw, Neil Erasmus

HF: Sam Switkowski, Patrick Voss, Jye Amiss

FF: Murphy Reid, Josh Treacy, Shai Bolton

Foll: Luke Jackson, Hayden Young, Caleb Serong

I/C: Sean Darcy, Isaiah Dudley, Nathan O'Driscoll, Karl Worner, Alex Pearce

Melbourne Predicted Team List

FB: Harrison Petty, Jake Lever, Blake Howes

HB: Changkuoth Jiath, Daniel Turner, Christian Salem

C: Jai Culley, Jack Steele, Ed Langdon

HF: Kysaiah Pickett, Jacob van Rooyen, Koltyn Tholstrup

FF: Bayley Fritsch, Brody Mihocek, Kade Chandler

Foll: Max Gawn, Caleb Windsor, Harvey Langford

I/C: Xavier Lindsay, Latrelle Pickett, Trent Rivers, Harry Sharp, Tom Sparrow

Fremantle Dockers vs Melbourne Demons Match Details

Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026

First Bounce: 7:30pm AEDT

Location: Optus Stadium, Perth

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports