The highly anticipated clash between Fremantle and the Sydney Swans on Thursday night has been called an “historic game” as a unique situation unfolds.
The potential grand final preview will be streamed across the country live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport, and veteran AFL journalist Caroline Wilson believes the Perth blockbuster now “holds extra significance”.
“First of all, one are playing two (on the ladder), which hasn’t happened, bizarrely, in a home and away round since 2023,” Wilson said on 7NEWS.
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“This game is going to be televised live across the country by Channel 7 on all free-to-air networks.
“So Sydney, which have been begging the AFL to have more footy on free-to-air TV on their main channel, will get their way on Thursday night with Freo versus Sydney.
“On Friday week, when Sydney host Adelaide at the SCG, Seven will also televise that game on free-to-air on the main channel into the Sydney market.
“This is big news for Sydney, big news for the AFL and, I hate to be a cheerleader, but a great move by the Seven Network.”
Coverage of the top-of-the-table blockbuster at Optus Stadium will kick off from 7pm AEST, live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport.
Fremantle head into Round 18 with only two losses next to their name, while the Swans are hot on their tails and hoping to also secure a top-two finish and a home final.
The past three matches between the two teams have come down to the wire, all decided by under two goals including a shot after the siren miss by the Swans in Round 16, 2024.
There is no shortage of star power across the two teams, with stars of the competition set to light up prime-time footy in Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner and Errol Gulden from the Swans, and the likes of Luke Jackson, Shai Bolton and Caleb Serong from Fremantle.
Seven’s commentary team led by Rebecca Maddern, Brian Taylor, Alister Nicholson, Kane Cornes, Daisy Pearce and Luke Hodge will broadcast live from the ground from 7pm AEST on Seven and 7plus Sport, with the main match coverage broadcast on Seven and 7plus nationally.
For Perth viewers, 7NEWS Perth will be live from 5.30pm on Seven and 7plus before the footy commences at 6.10pm AWST. Viewers can catch all the pre-game action from 5pm AWST on 7mate and 7plus Sport.
Head of AFL and Sport Innovation, Gary O’Keeffe said: “With the two most in-form sides of the competition live and free in prime time, this is set to be one of the best games of the season.”
Fremantle’s two Thursday Night Footy matches this season have been two of Seven’s highest rating games of the year.
“So we are thrilled this match has landed on a Thursday night,” O’Keeffe said.
“Let’s hope it’s another cracking match and Wharfie Time lights up Optus Stadium as it did when they hosted Hawthorn at the start of the season.”
In a win for fans, the highly anticipated match will also see the return of The Ultimate Footy Watchalong live stream.
In partnership with the AFL and Dan Does Footy and following its introduction in 2025, Australia’s No.1 sports content creator will be joined by big name guests, including 7NEWS’ Xander McGuire, providing fans a unique way to watch the game on 7plus Sport from 8pm AEST.
Fremantle’s two previous Thursday night footy fixtures in 2026 have delivered an average TV audience of 765,000 across Seven and 7plus, with another huge audience expected for a clash between two heavyweights of the competition in prime time.
Seven’s Round 18 AFL coverage will continue the following night with Friday night footy, as Collingwood hosts North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium from 7pm AEST live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport.
Seven’s Sunday AFL coverage will commence with Sunday Footy Feast from 12pm AEST on Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport, while Sunday Afternoon Footy will wrap up the round as Melbourne hosts Richmond live from the MCG from 2.30pm AEST on Seven and 7plus Sport.
Fans in NSW, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia can watch every game involving teams from their home states live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport.
