Optus Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 18 AFL game between Fremantle and Hawthorn. The game kicks off at 8:10 pm with Hawthorn heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Fremantle vs. Hawthorn game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday July 12, 2025 at 8:10 pm

Where: Optus Stadium

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Fremantle vs Hawthorn Odds

Fremantle vs Hawthorn Preview

Fremantle and Hawthorn will square off in a crucial Saturday night encounter at Optus Stadium, with both sides jostling for position in a crowded finals race. The Dockers slipped behind the Hawks on the ladder after a 94-83 defeat to Sydney last round, a loss compounded by Caleb Serong’s uncharacteristically quiet night—held to just 11 disposals by a tight James Jordon tag, his lowest tally since 2020. Tellingly, Fremantle is yet to win a game in 2025 when Serong has collected fewer than 29 possessions.

Hawthorn, meanwhile, are surging. Their composed 94-74 victory over St Kilda marked a fourth consecutive win, built on a stingy defence that has restricted opponents to just 60.5 points per game over that stretch. The Hawks also carry recent confidence against Fremantle, having ended a six-game losing skid in this fixture with a 13-point triumph last year.

With form, defence, and history on their side, the in-form Hawks will back themselves to extend their winning streak to five.

Fremantle vs Hawthorn Tip