AFL round nine 2026, scores, results, odds, stats and start time from Optus Stadium in Perth

We have a serious game here.

Brennan Cox put out Jack Gunston’s fireworks and Fremantle finished the third quarter well; but Hawthorn had a 15-point lead at the start of the final term.

While the Dockers restricted the Hawks’ slippery ball movement in the first two-and-a-half quarters, Gunston went on to kick five goals, helping them go 22 points clear midway through the third term.

Hawthorn have done a good job of creating a good buffer, given that without the injury of star defender Tom Barrass (hamstring), Freo have tried hard to make up their deficit.

Dockers’ ball magnet Caleb Serong was tremendous in his swing of momentum, collecting 10 disposals and three clearances; Victorian’s Murphy Reid, meanwhile, had a few chances to create goalscoring opportunities for Fremantle but was not his usual clean self.

Gunston (one handball) and first-half hero Nick Watson (three disposals) had little impact in the third quarter, but some brilliant action from either or both in the final quarter could be enough for the Hawks to take a big win.