MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Luke Jackson of the Dockers and Darcy Cameron of the Magpies compete in the ruck during the round 19 AFL match between Collingwood Magpies and Fremantle Dockers at Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 20, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images via AFL Photos)
Fremantle Dockers will take center stage in the 2026 AFL Gather Round, securing a coveted Friday night slot for an electrifying encounter against Collingwood. This high-profile match, scheduled for April 10 at Adelaide Oval, promises to be a highlight of the season, featuring two top-eight finishers from 2025.
The announcement follows the AFL’s confirmation of the Round 5 fixture, which will see West Coast Eagles face Geelong at Norwood Oval. Meanwhile, the round will kick off with Adelaide hosting Carlton on Thursday, April 9, and conclude with Port Adelaide playing St Kilda on Sunday night.
Fremantle’s Rise to the Spotlight
Fremantle’s inclusion in the primetime slot is a testament to their impressive performance in last season’s Gather Round, where they dominated Richmond in the Barossa Valley. The Dockers’ upcoming clash with Collingwood is particularly noteworthy, as it is the only matchup between two clubs that finished in the top eight last season. This fixture is set against the backdrop of a series of thrilling encounters between the two teams over the past two years.
In 2025, Fremantle staged a dramatic one-point comeback victory against Collingwood at the MCG, while the Magpies secured a 14-point win at Optus Stadium earlier in the season. The teams also played to a thrilling draw in Perth the year before, adding to the anticipation of their upcoming showdown.
Challenges and Opportunities for Fremantle
For Fremantle, the Friday night road clash presents a rare opportunity. The Dockers have played in the marquee slot away from home only three times in the past decade, with their last appearance resulting in a heavy defeat to St Kilda at Marvel Stadium. This matchup against Collingwood offers a chance for redemption and to solidify their standing as a formidable team in the league.
Meanwhile, West Coast Eagles face a daunting task against Geelong, having lost six consecutive games to the Cats. Their last victory over Geelong away from Western Australia dates back to 2006, highlighting the challenge ahead. The Eagles’ recent history at Gather Round includes a 47-point loss to Geelong at Adelaide Oval in 2023.
Broader Implications and Fixture Details
The release of the Gather Round fixture comes amid news that both Fremantle and West Coast will begin their season with interstate matches, continuing a challenging trend for the Dockers. Since Justin Longmuir took charge in 2020, Fremantle has played only one season opener in Western Australia, the fewest of any club in their home state.
This situation is compounded by the unavailability of Optus Stadium for the opening round, as it will host a Women’s Asian Cup soccer semifinal shortly after the AFL’s first round. The full AFL fixture is set to be released on Thursday, providing further clarity on the season’s schedule.
Gather Round Fixture (All times WA):
- Thursday, April 9: Adelaide v Carlton, Adelaide Oval, 5.40pm
- Friday, April 10: Collingwood v Fremantle, Adelaide Oval, 5.40pm
- Saturday, April 11: North Melbourne v Brisbane, Barossa Park, 10.35am
- Essendon v Melbourne, Adelaide Oval, 11.15am
- Sydney v Gold Coast, Norwood Oval, 2.15pm
- Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs, Adelaide Oval, 5.35pm
- Sunday, April 12: Geelong v West Coast, Norwood Oval, 10.30am
- GWS v Richmond, Barossa Park, 1.15pm
- Port Adelaide v St Kilda, Adelaide Oval, 5.05pm
Tickets for the Gather Round will be available to members on December 4, with general public sales commencing the following day. As anticipation builds, fans are eager to secure their spots for what promises to be an unforgettable round of AFL action.
