Fremantle vs Hawthorn Preview & Prediction | 2026 AFL | Regular Season | Round 9

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Round 9 begins with an eagerly-awaited top-of-the-table clash between Fremantle and Hawthorn at Optus Stadium.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / USA – Some matches are televised on Fox Sports channels

How to watch online: UK – HBO Max & Watch AFL / USA – Watch AFL

The prediction

Relentless Fremantle picked up their seventh straight AFL victory last week - the first time coach Justin Longmuir has achieved such a streak - by seeing off a brave Western Bulldogs side by 12 points.

The Dockers had to dig deep to earn the victory, but they have shown in recent weeks that they can win ugly as well as handsomely - a hugely promising sign for their championship hopes.

Visiting Hawthorn are also in excellent form though, and are coming off the first draw in the 2026 AFL campaign last weekend, when they ended up locked on 93 points with Collingwood at the MCG.

The Hawks had Dylan Moore to thank for continuing their unbeaten run though, as his drew the scores level with his successful kick in the dying moments.

This is a tantalising clash between two form teams occupying second (Fremantle) and third (Hawthorn) in the standings, and we just shade the hosts here. They boast the fewest points against in the AFL this season, and should have prove more successful than their opponents when it comes to nullifying attacks.

Fremantle vs Hawthorn tip: Fremantle to win