Fremantle’s come-from-behind win over Carlton has put them in the mix for a spot in the top four, but the Dockers will need to cheer against both Queensland teams in the final weeks of the season.
Justin Longmuir’s side moved to fifth, just one win behind ladder-leaders Adelaide and level on points with fourth-placed Geelong.
The Dockers face embattled Port Adelaide on the road this weekend, followed by a blockbuster Friday night clash with Brisbane at home and a season-ending date with the Western Bulldogs.
But even if Fremantle win their final three matches — which would have them finishing the season with a barnstorming 13 wins from 14 games — they will still need results to go their way to jag a double chance.
It puts a spotlight on the final three games for Brisbane, including their match with the Dockers, and the final four games of Gold Coast’s season.
The Suns will enter all four of their remaining matches as favourites.
They play Carlton at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night, then host Greater Western Sydney and play both Port Adelaide and Essendon in round 24 because their clash with the Bombers was postponed from Opening Round.
The Giants, who are themselves still fighting to secure their ticket to September, appear the most likely team to challenge the high-flying Suns who have been practically unstoppable at home this year.
The Lions face Sydney at the Gabba on Saturday before heading west to play Fremantle. The Dockers will likely need the reigning premiers to slip up either against the Swans, or at home against Hawthorn in the final round.
If other results go as expected, the Dockers will play a finals series for just the second time since 2015 if they win one of their remaining games.
Their match against the Power comes after Ken Hinkley’s final weeks in the coaching chair were marred by back-to-back thumpings. They lost the Showdown to Adelaide by 98 points and were belted by Geelong to the tune of 88 points on Sunday.
While the Suns’ rescheduled match against Essendon will be played midweek after the final round, it appears likely the AFL will fixture a Sunday night match in round 24.
That is likely to either be the Lions’ clash with the Hawks or the Dockers’ final match with the Bulldogs, given both games could have ramifications for the top four and the top eight.
Fremantle could also jump into the four if wobbly Collingwood lose two of their three matches.
They would have a close eye on Thursday night’s clash with finals aspirants Hawthorn and on their round 23 meeting with new ladder-leaders Adelaide.
https://thewest.com.au/sport/fremantle-dockers/what-fremantle-dockers-need-to-go-right-to-secure-a-top-four-spot-and-finals-double-chance-c-19574641
