Fremantle’s 10-game winning run has breathed life into hopes this Dockers team is different, that it’s finally time the men in purple put a real dent in September.

Well, Justin Longmuir’s charges get a premium chance to prove their mettle again this week as they face reigning premiers Brisbane in their own backyard.

And they will be fired up after being hammered by Greater Western Sydney last week, including a third quarter that saw them give up 14 goals.

So, here are five match-ups that could decide Saturday’s contest.

Harris Andrews v Josh Treacy

Fremantle’s spearhead was the first man to the airport on Thursday and looked on a mission as he powered through. It’s the sort of attitude he will need against one of the game’s best defenders. Harris Andrews is not just an intercepting threat; he can take star forwards out of the contest with his straight-line speed and crafty body work. Josh Treacy has proved a handful for everyone he has come across in 2026, but he will need to be at his best to help the Dockers kick a winning score.

Murphy Reid v Anybody?

Fremantle’s new favourite son has already developed an uncanny knack for getting free in dangerous areas. He is also one of their most dangerous ball-handlers, even in his second season. Brisbane must send a dedicated player to him on Saturday. It doesn’t have to be a hard tag, but a maroon and blue jumper needs to be in the vicinity of Reid at all times to ensure he has to win the ball in a scrap, not given time and space to inflict his will on the match. Could Levi Ashcroft be one for the role?

Charlie Cameron v Judd McVee

Former Demon Judd McVee has largely flown under the radar since moving to the Dockers, but could be handed a big task this week. West Aussie Charlie Cameron isn’t at his best so far this year, but he still sits equal eighth in the Coleman Medal race with 25 majors. Keeping him quiet will put pressure on Logan Morris to lead the attack with Kai Lohmann, while it might even restrict how much time Cam Rayner can spend at the contest.

Andrew Brayshaw v Lachie Neale

Fremantle are without Hayden Young and Caleb Serong again this week, leaving Andrew Brayshaw as the headline act in the middle for the Dockers. Shai Bolton will be in there, and is in close to career-best form, but coach Justin Longmuir will be leaning on Brayshaw for the grunt work. Any body contact he can lay into Lachie Neale will set the tone for the contest and allow Matt Johnson some extra time to extract the footy, as long as Will Ashcroft and Josh Dunkley don’t get there first.

Luke Jackson and Mason Cox v Darcy Fort and Sam Draper

The heavyweight component of the match will be fought in the ruck, with both sides having titans in that area. The Dockers have the edge in primary rucks with Darcy Fort listed to take the brunt of Luke Jackson. But former Bomber Sam Draper probably gets the edge against Mason Cox. However, the big American can potentially make the difference as a more nimble target around the ground and in the forward line. And if he can stop Draper getting clunks around the ground, he will keep his ground players, such as Bolton, well and truly in the contest.