Fremantle earned the right to host this cut-throat final with a nail-biting six-point win over Carlton last weekend. The win – which was just the Dockers’ second in five matches – came at a cost with small forward Hayden Balantyne ruled out for the rest of the year after re-injuring his foot. Meanwhile, Hawthorn finished the home-and-away season with three straight wins, although their last two victories were against a severely under-strength Fremantle side and a Collingwood outfit that would have won by four or five goals had they kicked straight.
The Hawks – who welcome back vice-captain Luke Hodge for this one – may have the edge in terms of September experience but the Dockers’ youngsters have shown that they are capable of performing well in a big game with the likes of Stephen Hill, Anthony Morabito and Michael Walters playing important roles in the win over the Blues. On top of that star trio Matthew Pavlich, Aaron Sandilands and David Mundy are fit and firing. With the support of a parochial home crowd Fremantle should be able to get over the line.