Fremantle Dockers are set to host Collingwood Magpies in a crucial Round 9 clash at Optus Stadium on May 8, 2025. After suffering one of their worst defeats in club history against St Kilda, the Dockers are eager to bounce back and reclaim their season momentum on home turf.
From the outset, Fremantle is looking to leverage the energy of their home crowd, and they got off to a perfect start when Josh Treacy kicked the first goal of the night with a clever chip kick through an open goal square just 19 minutes into the first quarter. This early score set the tone for a night of high stakes and intense competition.
Before the match, Fremantle players donned black armbands in memory of Isaiah Dudley’s uncle, who passed away recently, and some players wore two armbands to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Cam McCarthy’s death. Sean Darcy, Alex Pearce, Brennan Cox, and Luke Ryan were among those honoring McCarthy.
Fremantle's coach, Justin Longmuir, emphasized the importance of this game, stating, "Our midfield group is really keen to atone for what they dished up last week. Our form has been good at home so I expect what we were able to do against Adelaide two weeks ago." Longmuir has made several changes to the lineup, bringing in Patrick Voss, Neil Erasmus, and Cooper Simpson to replace the injured Hayden Young, Josh Draper, and Quinton Narkle.
In contrast, Collingwood entered the match undermanned, leaving four of their key players—Scott Pendlebury, Jordan De Goey, Brayden Maynard, and Brody Mihocek—back in Melbourne. Despite this, the Magpies still pose a threat with the likes of Nick Daicos on the field. Longmuir noted the need for his team to manage Daicos effectively, saying, "We can't let him get off the chain. We want to make sure we limit his effectiveness."
The stakes are high for both teams as they look to improve their standings in the league. Fremantle, currently at 4-4, is eager to elevate their performance after a disappointing 61-point loss to St Kilda last week. Meanwhile, Collingwood, sitting at 6-2, is keen to maintain their strong form despite the absences.
As the game progresses, fans are reminded of the significance of the Purple Hands Foundation Game, which aims to support young people through sports. Last year's event raised over $60,000, and the club hopes to surpass $85,000 this year. Fans have the opportunity to contribute by purchasing light-up wristbands or donating through QR codes located around the stadium.
Shai Bolton, a key recruit for Fremantle, is under pressure to deliver after a lackluster performance last week where he managed only seven disposals. Historically, Bolton has performed well against Collingwood, averaging 19.5 touches per game in six encounters. Fans are hoping to see him step up in this match.
As both teams warm up, the atmosphere at Optus Stadium is electric, with fans eager for the clash to commence. The first bounce is set for 8:10 PM AEST, and all eyes will be on how both teams adapt to the high-pressure environment.
Longmuir has urged his players to take ownership of their performances, stating, "What happens probably externally is the coach gets blamed for every poor performance, but realistically what happens internally is everyone takes ownership in their part in those performances." This sentiment reflects the unity and determination within the Fremantle camp as they prepare for the challenge ahead.
As the clock ticks down to the first bounce, Fremantle's lineup is finalized with Neil Erasmus named as the sub, while Oleg Markov is set to start on the bench for Collingwood. Both teams are keen to make a statement tonight, and with the stakes so high, fans can expect an intense and thrilling match.
In recent encounters, the Dockers and Magpies have had their share of close contests. Their last meeting in Round 11 of 2024 ended in a dramatic draw, and both teams are aware of the rivalry that has developed over the years. With the Dockers needing a win to reclaim their confidence and the Magpies looking to maintain their strong start to the season, the stage is set for a blockbuster showdown.
As the players take their positions on the field, the anticipation builds. Will Fremantle rise to the occasion, or will Collingwood's depth prove too much for them? With both teams looking to solidify their positions in the league, tonight's match promises to be a thrilling spectacle for all involved.
Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for live updates and coverage as the action unfolds at Optus Stadium. This is more than just a game; it’s a chance for Fremantle to prove their mettle and for Collingwood to showcase their resilience amid adversity.
