Hodge's biggest concern with Freo before premiership push

With Fremantle charging towards their second minor premiership in the club’s 32-year history, Luke Hodge has expressed some concern as to whether their forward line can handle the pressure of finals.

Having only lost one game since their Round 1 defeat to Geelong, the Dockers have certified themselves as the premiership favourites, finding themselves four games clear of second-place Sydney with an extra game played.

One of the key parts of their success has been the three-headed key-forward monster of Josh Treacy, Jye Amiss and Patrick Voss.

Throughout the season, the trio has combined for 131 of Fremantle’s 287 goals in 2026, seeing the Dockers rank in the top four for points scored throughout the season.

But in three of their last four games, Fremantle have had their struggles in front of goal, having kicked more behinds than goals.

As a result, the four-time Premiership player with the Hawks has expressed concerns around whether the three key forwards could handle the pressure of a Grand Final clash.

"I was gonna point out the key forwards (and) how good they've been, but their kicking has been questionable at times,” Hodge said on SEN’s Crunch Time.

“Especially in the first half against Sydney. They had a lot of opportunities.

“(Josh) Tracey, when he's up and rolling, is as important as anyone on that field.

“The way he leads up, creates space, but also crashes the pack and brings the ball to ground.

“But when it comes to the pressure on Grand Final day, I'm not convinced with their goal kicking from their three big (of Tracey, Amiss and Voss).

“I watched them against Brisbane Lions (in Round 12) where they dominated, and between them, I think they kicked 10 goals, 10 (behinds) between the three big key (forwards) in Voss, Tracy, and Amiss.

“So, that's another part that I'm sitting here going, I love what Fremantle are doing, they're dominant, they've been the best team all year.

“But there's still those questions when it comes to the big game from their forwards and from the younger guys that have never had that pressure put on them externally outside of being at Optus Stadium.”

The Dockers will look to claim their 19th win of the season next week when they play the Demons at the MCG in their second game at the venue this season.

That takes place on August 8 with the match beginning at 1:15pm AEST.