Battle of the bigs as Freo and Swans fight for top spot

Justin Chadwick | July 9, 2026

Thursday night’s top-of-the-table clash between Fremantle and Sydney will also double as an All-Australian ruck showdown as Luke Jackson and Brodie Grundy go head-to-head in a mouth-watering battle of the bigs.

Fremantle’s 14-game winning streak was ended last week in a shock 21-point loss to GWS, but they’ll have the perfect chance to bounce back when they host second-placed Sydney in front of a sellout Optus Stadium crowd.

The Dockers (14-2) will go two wins clear on top of the table with victory, while Sydney (13-3) have the chance to leapfrog Fremantle if they are able to upset the flag favourites.

Barring injury, Jackson appears a lock to be named as the lead ruckman in the All-Australian team after producing a standout season that has thrust him in the Brownlow medal frame.

As it stands, the second All-Australian ruck spot looks like a battle between Grundy and star Melbourne big man Max Gawn.

Grundy is averaging 35.6 hitouts, 6.3 clearances and 20.2 disposals per game this season to go with eight goals, and an impressive showing against Jackson could cement a third All-Australian jersey for the 32-year-old.

“What Brodie’s been able to do for the duration of the year has been really impressive,” Swans coach Dean Cox said of Grundy, who tallied 60 hitouts in last week’s 35-point win over the Bulldogs.

“He gets a huge challenge against Luke, who has been one of the form players of the competition, not just ruckmen.

“Brodie and his follow-up is really important – that’s where Luke is really strong.”

Swans forward Hayden McLean will give Grundy a chop-out in the ruck as they do battle against Jackson and Mason Cox, who was recalled at the expense of Sean Darcy (managed).

Cox was staying tight lipped about who he will send tagger James Jordon to.

Caleb Serong looms as the most likely option, especially with Hayden Young ruled out with a minor groin niggle.

But Fremantle boast plenty of other match-winners through the midfield in the form of Andrew Brayshaw, Shai Bolton and Murphy Reid.

Fremantle could return serve by tagging either Isaac Heeney or Chad Warner.

Sydney have been boosted by the return of Tom Papley (calf), while Fremantle recalled Jaeger O’Meara to replace Young.

The Dockers are on an eight-game winning streak at Optus Stadium, with their last loss at the venue being last year’s one-point elimination final loss to Gold Coast.