The dominant storyline coming out of Round One for Saturday Night’s clash at Optus Stadium centres on the influence of the big men. The spotlight naturally falls on two elite ruckmen who, five years ago, shared the stage in Melbourne’s memorable premiership triumph.

Max Gawn, now a veteran of more than a decade at the very top of his craft after a long apprenticeship, started slowly last week against Tom De Koning but worked his way into the contest, eventually asserting his authority and guiding his side to victory. He was well supported by Harrison Petty, who provided valuable backup in a part-time ruck role.

Twenty-four hours earlier, Luke Jackson was outstanding for Fremantle, taking control of the ruck division and showcasing his elite athleticism. Alongside Sean Darcy, he helped the Dockers explode out of the blocks against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium, where they piled on a remarkable eight-goal opening term. However, that early dominance faded as the Cats’ running power took over, gradually shifting momentum as Fremantle ran out of steam.

Post-match, Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir voiced frustration about the fixture, arguing that teams involved in Opening Round gain a “competitive advantage” over those starting in Round One.

“Anyone who’s been around football would realise it’s an advantage,” he said.

“We should all start the season the same way.”

In contrast, Melbourne’s new coach Steven King struck a far more positive tone following his side’s winning performance. He praised his players’ intent to move the ball quickly and boldly, highlighting a more aggressive and exciting style of play. He also welcomed the club’s new additions, noting their immediate impact, and reinforced a coaching philosophy built on freedom, trust, and instinct.

King could easily have countered Longmuir by pointing to Fremantle’s own advantage this week - hosting a travelling side on a short six-day turnaround. Instead, he chose to focus internally, a mindset that may prove invaluable as the season unfolds.

This contrast in outlook is telling. While Melbourne’s list may not match Fremantle’s depth on paper, the Demons are playing with cohesion, purpose, and belief. Their ball movement - particularly transitioning from half-back with speed and precision - suggests they are far more competitive than many expect.

Fremantle’s midfield, featuring Jackson alongside Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw, appears settled and dynamic. Yet Melbourne’s emerging on-ball brigade, blending experience with youthful explosiveness, showed genuine promise against St Kilda.

Up forward, the Demons look significantly more cohesive. The inclusion of Brody Mihocek alongside Jacob van Rooyen and Bayley Fritsch has improved structure and synergy, while the Pickett cousins, Kozzie and Trelly, add pace and unpredictability at ground level.

Melbourne’s defensive structure is also undergoing a transformation in line with the new style. Against the Saints, they afforded considerable latitude to the opposing forwards and conceded a high number of marks inside the 50 metre arc that were not fully capitalised upon, but they will need to fortify their defences as required. The Docker attack is expected to present more of a challenge than the Demons faced last week.

Ultimately, the outcome may hinge on the marquee ruck duel between Gawn and Jackson, as well as Melbourne’s capacity to maintain intensity across four quarters. If the Demons can sustain their run and composure, they are every chance to push the home side deep into the contest.

That said, the balance still leans slightly towards Fremantle - but only just, in what shapes as a far closer encounter than many anticipate.

Fremantle by 3 points.

THE GAME

Melbourne v Fremantle at Optus Stadium on Saturday 21 March 2026 at 7.35pm

HEAD TO HEAD

Overall Fremantle 27 wins Melbourne 19 wins 

At Optus Stadium Fremantle 1 win Melbourne 1 win

Last five meetings Fremantle 3 wins Melbourne 2 wins

The Coaches Longmuir 0 wins King 0 wins 

THE LAST TIME THEY MET

Melbourne 16.11.107 defeated Fremantle 14.13.97 at The MCG, Round 6, 2025

The Demons caused an upset in ending their season opening five game losing streak on the back of a slashing game from Kozzie Pickett (5 goals, 24 disposals) and Max Gawn’s dominant ruck display against Sean Darcy in the absence of Luke Jackson. Trent Rivers also had a big day out to thwart the Dockers.

THE TEAMS 

FREMANTLE

B O. McDonald, A. Pearce, N. Chapman

HB J. Clark, B. Walker, J. McVee

C N. Erasmus, A. Brayshaw, M. Johnson

HF J. Amiss, P. Voss, S. Switkowski

F S. Bolton, J. Treacy, M. Reid

FOLL S. Darcy, L. Jackson, C. Serong

I/C I. Dudley, N. O'Driscoll, C. Scerri, C. Wagner, K. Worner

EMG M. Cox, L. Ryan, J. Sharp

IN C. Scerri

OUT H. Young (hamstring)

MELBOURNE

B D. Turner, v. Lever, C. Jiath

HB B. Howes, X. Lindsay, C. Salem

C T. Sparrow, J. Steele, H. Sharp

HF K. Pickett, J. van Rooyen, E. Langdon

F B. Fritsch, B. Mihocek, L. Pickett

FOLL M. Gawn, C. Windsor, T. Rivers

I/C K. Chandler, J. Culley, H. Langford, H. Petty, K. Tholstrup

EMG M. Heath, B. Laurie, T. McDonald

No change

Injury List: Round 2

Shane McAdam — Achilles / 2-4 weeks

Matthew Jefferson — foot / 3 -5 weeks 

Aidan Johnson — knee / 3-5 weeks 

Luker Kentfield  — knee / 3-5 weeks

Kalani White — glandular fever / 3-5 weeks 

Jake Bowey — foot / 7 -9 weeks 

Tom Campbell — neck / TBC

Jack Viney — Achilles / TBC

Isnt Hayden Young out with a hammy?

Yes

22 hours ago, Fritta and Turner said:

Isnt Hayden Young out with a hammy?

He's a big out for Freo. They're still the favourites but ......