The Fremantle Dockers’ hopes for a top-four finish in the AFLW 2024 season received a significant boost following Adelaide’s loss to North Melbourne. The Crows’ defeat, 4.9 (33) to 6.5 (41), at Norwood Oval has left them with seven wins heading into the final round, opening a door for Fremantle to capitalize on their chance to enter the top tier.
As the Dockers prepare to face the lower-ranked Greater Western Sydney Giants on Saturday at Henson Park, followed by the Western Bulldogs in Fremantle, they have an opportunity to secure a critical late-season victory. A win against GWS would propel them into fourth place, provided that Brisbane falls to Sydney and Richmond loses to Essendon. Regardless, a victory would still strengthen their position for a final-round push, setting them up for a valuable double-chance advantage in the finals.
Fremantle’s shot at the top four also relies on improving their season percentage, currently at 125.1. By boosting this percentage over the next two games, the Dockers can strengthen their standing and enhance their finals prospects. Achieving this goal would mark a significant milestone, as Walyalup hasn’t placed higher than 12th in an 18-team season since finishing first in 2020, a year when finals were unfortunately canceled due to the pandemic.
In a move aimed at preserving their key players for a potentially deep run, the Dockers opted not to risk star vice-captain Hayley Miller, who has been managing a calf injury. While injuries have hampered Fremantle’s campaign, the team remains focused on their immediate goal. Coach Webb emphasized a one-game-at-a-time approach, recognizing the challenges posed by GWS and the importance of staying grounded in the face of their finals aspirations.
Meanwhile, North Melbourne’s latest win solidifies their spot at the top of the AFLW ladder as the league’s only undefeated team. With the race for finals intensifying, Fremantle’s fate now lies in their hands, as they look to close out the season on a strong note and potentially secure a long-awaited return to the top ranks.