Fremantle vs Gold Coast 2025: Suns Create Finals History in a One-Point Thriller
The AFL finals are famous for producing unforgettable moments — games that stay in memory not just for the score, but for the stories they tell. On September 6, 2025, the Elimination Final between Fremantle Dockers and Gold Coast Suns at Optus Stadium became one such match.
In front of a passionate Perth crowd, the Suns recorded their first-ever AFL finals win, defeating the Dockers by just one point: Gold Coast 11.14 (80) def. Fremantle 12.7 (79).
It was a night of resilience, comebacks, drama, and the perfect farewell for club legend David Swallow, whose final act on the field will forever be part of AFL folklore.
The Context: Two Teams, Two Stories
The Dockers and Suns entered this clash with very different histories.
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Fremantle Dockers came in with finals experience, a passionate home crowd, and the hope of building on recent strong seasons. They were eager to prove themselves as genuine premiership contenders.
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Gold Coast Suns, founded in 2011, were playing in their first finals series. Long criticised as a “developing club,” they had finally broken through under coach Damien Hardwick. Simply qualifying for finals was historic — but they wanted more.
This was not just a match. It was Fremantle’s chance to cement their reputation as contenders, and Gold Coast’s opportunity to shed the underdog tag once and for all.
First Half: The Suns Shine Bright
From the opening bounce, the Suns showed no signs of nerves. Their midfield brigade — Noah Anderson, Matt Rowell, and Touk Miller — dominated the clearances. Gold Coast moved the ball with speed, composure, and confidence.
By halftime, the Suns had surged to a 25-point lead. Their aggressive style rattled Fremantle, who struggled to contain the pressure. The Dockers’ usually reliable defence was constantly under siege.
For Gold Coast fans, it was the start of a dream. For Fremantle supporters, it was a nerve-wracking reminder that finals football rarely follows the script.
Second Half: Fremantle Fights Back
Fremantle’s halftime reset worked wonders. They returned with new intensity, driven by the brilliance of Luke Jackson. His towering mark and goal midway through the third quarter lifted the purple army and reignited belief.
The Dockers clawed their way back, goal by goal. Their midfield matched the Suns, and their forward line found space. By the final term, Fremantle had taken the lead, sending Optus Stadium into a frenzy.
For a moment, it looked as though Gold Coast’s brave first-half performance would be undone by Fremantle’s experience and home-ground advantage. But finals football is never predictable.
The Final Moments: A Fairytale for Swallow
With just seconds left and the scores level, fate handed the ball to David Swallow — the Suns’ inaugural player, who had announced his retirement earlier in the season.
Awarded a free kick around 50 metres from goal, Swallow lined up as the stadium held its breath. His kick sailed long and straight but was touched on the line. It was ruled a behind.
That single point proved decisive. Moments later, the siren sounded. Gold Coast Suns 11.14 (80) defeated Fremantle Dockers 12.7 (79).
Swallow, the loyal servant who endured the Suns’ toughest years, had given them their first-ever finals win. It was a storybook ending, the kind that makes sport magical.
Damien Hardwick’s Impact
The Suns’ transformation under Damien Hardwick has been extraordinary. The triple premiership coach, formerly with Richmond, brought belief, structure, and finals experience to a team that had long struggled to find consistency.
Before the match, Hardwick emphasised composure and maturity. His players delivered, holding their nerve even as Fremantle surged.
For the Suns, this was more than just a win — it was a statement. Under Hardwick, they now look like a side capable of challenging the best.
Fremantle’s Heartbreak
For Fremantle, the result was heartbreaking. They had fought bravely, mounting a comeback that almost stole victory. Their supporters created a sea of purple at Optus Stadium, roaring as their team hit the front in the final term.
But sport can be cruel. A single point was the difference between triumph and defeat. For the Dockers, this will be remembered as a painful near-miss, but also as proof that their young list continues to grow.
What This Win Means for the Suns
For Gold Coast, this was more than just a victory — it was a breakthrough moment in club history.
Key takeaways from their historic win:
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First Finals Victory: The Suns are no longer without a finals record.
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Swallow’s Farewell: A veteran’s last act defined the game.
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Future Belief: The Suns now know they can beat quality opposition under pressure.
Next up is a semi-final showdown with the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba — a “Q-Clash” that promises even more drama.
Why Fans Will Remember Fremantle vs Gold Coast 2025
This elimination final will be remembered for several reasons:
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The Margin: Decided by just one point.
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The History: Gold Coast’s first-ever finals win since entering the league in 2011.
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The Hero: David Swallow’s final kick and career-defining moment.
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The Drama: A game that swung from dominance to comeback to last-second heartbreak.
It was everything that makes AFL finals special.
Final Reflection
The Fremantle vs Gold Coast elimination final wasn’t just about advancing in the AFL finals. It was about the essence of sport itself — the joy, heartbreak, and magic that unfold when everything is on the line.
For Fremantle, the loss hurts, but their fightback shows a team with plenty of potential for the future. For Gold Coast, this night will be remembered forever — the night the Suns stepped into AFL history and gave their fans something to believe in.
As the Suns prepare for their semi-final clash, one truth remains clear: this was a fairytale beginning, and it started with a single kick from David Swallow.
