Fremantle beats Geelong to reach preliminary final after Hawthorn loss
Fremantle responded to a crushing defeat by beating Geelong by 14 points, booking a preliminary final against Sydney.
Fremantle's Caleb Serong says the team wanted to crawl into a hole after losing to Hawthorn by 32 points in the qualifying final, but they proved their metal by defeating Geelong by 14 points in a Perth semi-final on Friday night.
The loss to Hawthorn was the Dockers' third straight finals defeat and threatened to end their premiership dream. Serong said the team held heart-to-heart talks in the week after that loss and vowed to play with freedom.
The Dockers now face Sydney in a preliminary final next week. Coach Justin Longmuir's team showed they can perform on the big stage and have what it takes to contend for a flag.
- 14 points
- Geelong margin
- 32 points
- Hawthorn loss margin
- Three consecutive
- Finals defeats in a row
- Perth
- Semi-final location
Why it mattersIn finals football, one bad loss can end your season. Fremantle's ability to bounce back immediately shows they can still mount a premiership assault.
AustraliaFremantle's comeback is a big moment for an AFL club hoping to win their first flag since 1995, with the whole state watching.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 12 d ago
