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AFL semifinal live: Fremantle vs Geelong live blog, scores and stats from Perth Stadium
Posted Fri 11 Sep 2026 at 7:03pmFri 11 Sep 2026 at 7:03pmFri 11 Sep 2026 at 7:03pmSkip to timeline
Minor premier Fremantle is bidding to avoid an ignominious straight-sets exit as it takes on Geelong in a massive AFL semifinal at Perth Stadium.
Follow the live blog below, keep up to date with all the latest stats in our ScoreCentre, and tune in to our live radio coverage.
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Fri 11 Sep 2026 at 7:45pmFri 11 Sep 2026 at 7:45pm
What went wrong for the Dockers?
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By Dean Bilton
Cody Atkinson and Sean Lawson had a look into the numbers to get an idea of what let the Dockers down against Hawthorn.
When looking Fremantle’s dip the biggest story is what is happening at the contest — or more importantly what isn’t happening.
Fremantle’s midfield and front half group is blessed with attacking talent, able to turn a half-chance into a broken line or shot at goal.
They are sometimes less able to control the ball when it hits the deck, especially when there are even numbers at the contest.
Against disciplined midfields, the Dockers have struggled to find the supply they need to churn the scoreboard over.
Check out the full piece for far more.
Fri 11 Sep 2026 at 7:35pmFri 11 Sep 2026 at 7:35pm
The vets talk it over
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By Dean Bilton
Patrick Dangerfield, his back to the photographer here, is fresh off the back of a five-goal elimination final against Carlton. Tom Stewart remains one of the most significant and influential defenders in the game, his absence in last year’s grand final a critical blow for Geelong’s chances.
So much of Freo’s hopes rest on youth tonight, but Geelong on the other hand will be turning to the tried and tested.
Fri 11 Sep 2026 at 7:25pmFri 11 Sep 2026 at 7:25pm
How the teams got here
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By Dean Bilton
It was a chastening Thursday night for Fremantle last week. Riding into the finals series with boundless confidence after a dominant home and away season and minor premiership, the Dockers were taught a lesson by the relentless Hawks.
Too many went missing, too many failed to step up on the big stage, and overall the Hawks looked a more powerful and finals-ready unit than their rivals from the west. Freo were well beaten, never in the contest, and copped a pasting in the media for their efforts.
Geelong was challenged early by Carlton and looked in strife during periods of the first half, but after the long break flicked a switch and rather cruised to victory in their elimination final.
The best word to sum up the Cats’ performance was professional. It was a “been there, done that” finals win from a side packed with experience and premiership players. They didn’t panic when things weren’t going well, and they didn’t let up when the worm turned.
So tonight then. The Dockers will be breathing fire, certain they can’t put in two stinkers in a row. This will be their last chance to play in front of their home crowd, and those fans will be just as ferocious the players.
But the Cats will look at Hawthorn last week and see a blueprint. Geelong is as well position as any of the remaining contenders to take a scalp like Freo’s on the road, and might sense they are there to be taken.
Key Event
Fri 11 Sep 2026 at 7:13pmFri 11 Sep 2026 at 7:13pm
Final Dockers and Cats teams are in
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By Dean Bilton
No late changes for either side.
The Dockers have made two alterations from the side that lost to Hawthorn last week, with Brandon Walker out injured and Nathan O’Driscoll dropped. Replacing them are Judd McVee and Corey Wagner.
There was speculation during the week that Geelong would recall Sam De Koning for this one, likely in place of Jay Polkinghorne, but instead Chris Scott has named the same side which beat Carlton last week. A luxury at this time of year.
Key Event
Fri 11 Sep 2026 at 7:02pmFri 11 Sep 2026 at 7:02pm
Welcome to Friday night finals footy
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By Dean Bilton
Good evening and welcome back to ABC Sport’s live blog coverage of the 2026 AFL season. We return to Perth this evening for a game of gargantuan importance, a do or die semifinal which may well prove the most significant this side of the grand final.
On one side we have Fremantle, the minor premier and season-long flag favourite who stumbled in the first week of finals and now sits precariously on the edge of a cliff of humiliation. Straight sets are in play here, the fear of failure commensurate to the prize on offer for victory.
On the other is Geelong, a team so used to the demands of finals football it tends to make it this far almost by default. A professional victory in an elimination game last week sets up this one, and experience alone will be enough to ensure it can give the Dockers a game.
So much on the line tonight, so much to look out for. A preliminary final is right there for the winner, the big one only another week away. Stick around and enjoy the footy with us.