It’s been a while since Optus Stadium played host to an AFL game in September, but it is good to see footy back in Perth during the business end of the season. After a three-year wait since their last finals appearance in 2022, the purple army returns to September action, this time with an elimination final against the Gold Coast Suns.
It’s a clash with opposite storylines for each club: Fremantle fighting for validation that they are a flag contender, Gold Coast stepping into finals for the very first time with the claim of a team on the rise. Optus Stadium will be roaring with 60,000 fans draped in purple, while the Suns arrive with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
For WA footy fans, this is more than just a game — it’s a chance to reclaim the magic of September under lights. And thanks to TABtouch, you can be part of the action both inside Optus Stadium and beyond.
Fremantle back in September
This moment has been three years in the making. Fremantle has come under scrutiny in recent seasons for failing to reach its potential — wasting opportunities, wasting its window.
Their last finals campaign came in 2022, when they edged past the Western Bulldogs in an elimination final at Optus Stadium before bowing out the following week. Since then, it’s been a mix of frustration, rebuilding, and gradual progress under coach Justin Longmuir — two steps forward, one step back.
Now, Fremantle enters September with a list stacked with midfield talent, elite defence, and a young, formidable forward line. Add the backing of a parochial WA crowd, and you can bet 60,000 fans will pour into Optus Stadium to create one of the loudest atmospheres in the club’s history.
For a club that has long craved consistent September success, this is the chance to prove they belong in the AFL’s top echelon.
Why Fremantle can win
Midfield depth
Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw have emerged as one of the most dynamic midfield pairings in the league. Add the experience of Nat Fyfe and the versatility of Luke Jackson, and Fremantle boasts a midfield mix that can match any finals opponent.
Defence wins premierships
At the back, captain Alex Pearce and Brennan Cox form a reliable key defensive duo, capable of blunting opposition spearheads. Around them, Jordan Clark and Hayden Young provide vital rebound and attacking drive, giving the Dockers balance between shutdown ability and offensive launch.
The X-Factor: Shai Bolton
This is exactly what Fremantle paid him for — to be Mr September. His pace, creativity, and proven September pedigree make him a consistent threat, regardless of his position on the field.
Emerging forward line
Fremantle’s forwards have started to click, thanks to the rise of their young tall targets. Jye Amiss and Josh Treacy continue to grow as reliable contested-marking options who can hit the scoreboard with accuracy. Then there’s Patrick Voss, whose flair and confidence bring a charge that hasn’t been seen in Fremantle’s forward line in years. Gold Coast will have its hands full trying to stop these three on game day.
The Purple Army factor
Beyond tactics and talent, Fremantle’s greatest edge may be the fans. With 60,000 fans expected at Optus Stadium and with Gold Coast not having a huge supporter base, it’s fair to say the Purple Army will overwhelm any splashes of red and yellow in the stands.
Why Gold Coast can win
Young stars arriving
The league has been waiting for this moment as Gold Coast’s midfield has finally matured into a force, with Noah Anderson, Matt Rowell, and Touk Miller forming a trio that thrives on contested ball and relentless work rate. Their ability to win clearances and surge the ball forward gives Gold Coast a hard-bodied, finals-ready engine room.
The X-Factor: Matt Rowell
Diving in further on Matt Rowell — while Anderson has had a Brownlow-type season, Rowell, at his best, is arguably the most important player on the team. Built for contested football, Rowell thrives when the game gets hot, winning clearances and laying hard tackles that stick. Finals are about heart as much as skill, and Rowell’s fearless approach could tilt the midfield battle in Gold Coast’s favour and silence the Purple Army.
Forward presence
Ben King looms as the Gold Coast’s biggest weapon inside 50. His height and marking power make him a difficult match-up, and if Gold Coast can deliver the ball cleanly, he has the potential to turn the momentum of a game with ease. Add in Ben Long, who’s had a career year, and Gold Coast can give Fremantle’s elite defence trouble.
Free-Hit mentality
Be wary of those who have nothing to lose.
Unlike Fremantle, Gold Coast comes into this elimination final with no expectations and no baggage. With nothing to lose in their first-ever finals appearance, they can play bold, attacking football that unsettles opponents and thrives on unpredictability.
Finals experience
No, I’m not talking about the players — Damien Hardwick has won more premierships than Justin Longmuir has coached finals games.
Hardwick wasted no time stamping his trademark ruthless edge on Gold Coast. His premiership-winning pedigree brings belief and structure, giving the players confidence they belong on this stage. In a cut-throat contest, that guidance could prove decisive, especially when going up against a coach who has only played in two final games.
Key match-ups
- Caleb Serong v Noah Anderson: The battle of the engine rooms. Whoever controls the clearances will dictate the night.
- Sean Darcy/Luke Jackson v Jarrod Witts: Ruck dominance will go a long way to giving midfielders first use.
- Alex Pearce v Ben King: Captain versus spearhead — stopping King’s is critical for Fremantle.
- Nat Fyfe’s wildcard role: Finals are made of historic moments. Will this game be another moment that adds to the accolades of Fyfe’s career? Does he have enough left in the tank to turn another game?
Be part of the action with TABtouch
AFL Finals isn’t just about the roar of the crowd — it’s about being part of the action.
TABtouch are a proud sponsor of the Fremantle Dockers and has all the latest markets and odds for the Fremantle v Gold Coast elimination final. Whether you’re backing Fremantle to go deep into September or tipping a Gold Coast upset, TABtouch has you covered.
Heading to Optus Stadium? The TAB betting outlet is located on Level 1, opposite the stadium restaurants, featuring super screens for all the live action. Additional self-service kiosks can also be found on Level 1 and Level 5 concourses — making it easy to get involved while soaking in the atmosphere.
View the latest markets at TABtouch.
Predictions: Who will win?
This one has the makings of a thriller. Fremantle’s home-ground advantage, defensive system, and overall midfield polish should give them the edge.
Prediction: Fremantle by 14 points — with Hardwick and Gold Coast to push them all the way.
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