Will Hayward tackles Heath Chapman during the match between Fremantle and Sydney at Optus Stadium in round nine, 2024. Picture: Getty Images

IT'S A Friday night double-header as Geelong hosts Port Adelaide at GMHBA Stadium and Sydney heads west to take on Fremantle at Optus Stadium.

The Friday double allows the Sunday slate to be reduced to two games, with Mother's Day games traditionally drawing lower attendance numbers due to the significance of the day.

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The Dockers (5-3) have settled into the top eight after bouncing back from their shock loss to West Coast, securing back-to-back victories against Richmond and the Western Bulldogs.

However Fremantle has been just as impressive when facing more fancied opponents, even if it fell short against the Blues and Power, and can look to make a statement against the high-flying Swans on home turf.

Sydney (7-1) has climbed to the top of the ladder for just the second time since 2016 after crushing crosstown rivals Greater Western Sydney in tricky conditions.

The Swans are perhaps even more suited to a dry deck at Optus Stadium but their midfield will need to repeat their efforts at the coalface against the Giants to nullify one of the Dockers' key strengths. 

The Dockers have lost Sean Darcy (calf) and omitted Cooper Simpson, with Sam Switkowski and Patrick Voss coming in, while the Swans have called up Aaron Francis to replace Tom McCartin (concussion).

Fremantle v Sydney at Optus Stadium, 6.30pm AWST

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SUBSTITUTES
Fremantle: 
Michael Walters
Sydney: 
Robbie Fox

02:53

Geelong v Port Adelaide at GMHBA Stadium, 7.10pm AEST

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SUBSTITUTES
Geelong:
Oisin Mullin
Port Adelaide:
Francis Evans

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