Ox’s massive 2026 AFL premiership call

David Schwarz has made a massive premiership call for 2026.

The former Melbourne star believes now is the time for Fremantle to stand up and be counted.

Justin Longmuir’s Dockers returned to finals in 2025 after finishing the home and away season in sixth spot with a 16-7 win-loss record.

While Freo did bow out after a home Elimination Final defeat to September debutants Gold Coast, Schwarz believes they would have learnt plenty and it could set them up for a flag tilt next year.

“I’m going to tip them to win the flag,” Schwarz said on SEN WA Breakfast.

“I’m very bullish on Fremantle. Last season they would have learnt a lot and when they are having a bad patch I think they’ll be able to minimise the damage that they do.

“They’ve still got to travel. A lot of people underestimate that it is a hard ask to travel every second week and be really good.

“But I think they’re getting a bit more experience under their belt, their list is smothered with quality, so I’m tipping Freo to win the flag.”

The Dockers are currently rated a $17 premiership chance with Sportsbet.

As for fellow West Australian side West Coast, Schwarz sees it as a season of consolidation under Andrew McQualter where four or more wins would suffice.

“I think they should just follow Richmond’s lead - get the style right, get the game plan right,” he added.

“If they can win five, six or even seven games I think they’ve had a fantastic year. This is probably their foundation year where they set the platform for how they want to play.”

The Eagles claimed the wooden spoon with just one win in 2025.

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