Port Adelaide vs Fremantle: Power push ladder leaders

Last updated: 18 July 2026, 2:49pm AEST

An undermanned Port Adelaide took a 12-point half-time lead over ladder-leading Fremantle at Adelaide Oval, turning a match billed as a near-impossible assignment into one of Saturday's biggest AFL surprises. The Power led 8.6 (54) to 6.6 (42) at the main break after dominating the centre clearances. Fremantle then hit back early in the third term, with Luke Jackson and Josh Treacy helping level the scores at 54 apiece.

What We Know So Far

Port entered the match in 14th place and without several front-line players. Zak Butters was sidelined with a syndesmosis injury, Jason Horne-Francis was suspended, Mitch Georgiades was in concussion protocols and Jack Lukosius was also unavailable. Kane Farrell had already been withdrawn because of groin soreness, while Harrison Ramm was then ruled out with illness an hour before the first bounce and replaced by Jacob Wehr.

Despite those disruptions, the Power controlled the most important part of the ground. At half-time they led the clearances 23-13, including a dominant 12-2 advantage at centre bounces. That control allowed Port to keep feeding its forwards even though the inside-50 count was almost even at 26-25.

Ollie Wines drove that midfield effort with 16 disposals and five clearances by the main break, while Jase Burgoyne had 15 touches and four clearances. Logan Evans and Andy Brayshaw led all players with 17 disposals each. Port also found goals from unlikely sources, including Joe Berry, Dante Visentini, Corey Durdin and Mitch Zadow.

Fremantle's response after half-time was immediate. Jackson kicked the first goal of the third quarter, then a Port turnover allowed Isaiah Dudley to find Treacy inside 50 for the equaliser. The Dockers had already scored 6.6 from turnovers, showing how quickly they could punish loose disposal even while losing the clearance battle. Readers can follow the running score through the ABC live match blog.

Reactions & Responses

Port coach Josh Carr had framed the game as an opportunity for his young side rather than a damage-limitation exercise. His pre-match focus was on winning the contest and keeping the ball in Port's front half, and the first-half clearance numbers reflected that plan.

“We're not here to make up the numbers for this weekend. We’re here to win games of footy.”

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir had selected a strong side, with Hayden Young returning and Shai Bolton managed. The Dockers had already secured a finals place and were pushing towards only their second minor premiership, so the sluggish opening carried real consequences beyond one afternoon.

On the Ground

For supporters at Adelaide Oval, the contest became far tighter than pre-match expectations suggested. Port's pressure around the ball created repeated scoring chances and brought the crowd into the match, while Fremantle's third-quarter lift showed why it entered the round on top of the ladder.

For viewers around Australia, the match is also a reminder that late team changes can reshape an AFL contest quickly. Port made six changes across selection and match day, yet its replacement players helped produce a strong collective performance. The game was broadcast in South Australia on Channel 7, with national coverage on Fox Footy and Kayo.

Coming Up

The result remained unresolved early in the third quarter, with the scores level at 54 after Fremantle erased Port's half-time lead. The next phase would test whether the Power could sustain their clearance advantage and whether the Dockers' stronger second-half scoring pattern would take over. Live updates were also available through the AFL match centre.

At a Glance

• Port Adelaide led Fremantle 54-42 at half-time.
• The scores were level at 54-54 early in the third quarter.
• Port led clearances 23-13 at the main break.
• The Power dominated centre clearances 12-2.
• Zak Butters, Jason Horne-Francis and Mitch Georgiades were among Port's major absences.
• Fremantle entered the match as the AFL ladder leader.

FAQ

What was the Port Adelaide vs Fremantle half-time score?

Port Adelaide led 8.6 (54) to Fremantle's 6.6 (42) at half-time.

Why was Port Adelaide missing so many players?

Zak Butters, Mitch Georgiades, Jack Lukosius and Kane Farrell were injured, while Jason Horne-Francis was suspended. Harrison Ramm was also a late withdrawal because of illness.

Who led the clearances at half-time?

Port Adelaide led the total clearances 23-13 and the centre clearances 12-2.

Where was Port Adelaide vs Fremantle played?

The Round 19 match was played at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, 18 July 2026.

How could Australians watch the match?

The game was shown in South Australia on Channel 7 and nationally on Fox Footy and Kayo.