Fremantle Dockers’ finals spot to be settled in one of the final matches of season against Western Bulldogs

Fremantle’s finals fate won’t be decided until one of the last games of the home-and-away season.

The Dockers have been scheduled to play the Western Bulldogs on the Sunday afternoon (August 24) of round 24 at Marvel Stadium. The AFL locked in its floating fixture for the final round on Wednesday.

The match will almost certainly have ramifications for the Dockers’ hopes of either squeezing into the top four — or sealing their place in the finals — while the Bulldogs are also likely to still be scrapping for a September ticket.

Fremantle’s finals hopes died in a defeat to Port Adelaide in the last game of the 2024 season after Carlton’s dramatic loss to St Kilda had left the door open for them to make the top eight.

West Coast will host Sydney in the final match of their tough season on Saturday night at Optus Stadium.

Gold Coast and Essendon’s postponed game from Opening Round has been rescheduled for the Wednesday night after the final round, with the Suns also set to feature in a Friday night clash with Port Adelaide.

That clash at Adelaide Oval will be the Power’s farewell for long-serving coach Ken Hinkley and games record-holder Travis Boak.

Hawthorn’s date with Brisbane — which will also hold finals and top-four ramifications — will be played after the Dockers’ game on Sunday.

Both those matches will be broadcast live and free on Channel 7.

Fremantle have matches against Port Adelaide on Saturday and reigning premiers Brisbane next Friday on the run home.

Their come-from-behind win over Carlton at Optus Stadium on Sunday has opened the door for them in the race for the top four and a finals double chance.

ROUND 24 CONFIRMED FIXTURE

Thursday, August 21

Essendon v Carlton, MCG, 5.30pm

Friday, August 22

Collingwood v Melbourne, MCG, 5.10pm

Port Adelaide v Gold Coast, Adelaide Oval, 6.40pm

Saturday, August 23

North Melbourne v Adelaide, Marvel Stadium, 11.20am

Richmond v Geelong, MCG, 2.15pm

West Coast v Sydney, Optus Stadium, 5.35pm

Sunday, August 24

GWS Giants v St Kilda, Engie Stadium, 10.20am

Western Bulldogs v Fremantle, Marvel Stadium, 1.15pm

Brisbane v Hawthorn, The Gabba, 5.20pm

Wednesday, August 27

Gold Coast v Essendon, People First Stadium, 5.20pm

*all times AWST