The 2025 AFL fixture has been met with enthusiastic approval from Western Australian clubs, with a key aspect of the schedule standing out as particularly favorable. For the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers, the upcoming season’s fixture offers more than just an opportunity for growth and redemption after challenging years; it also provides a significant advantage in the form of a favorable run of home games.
In recent years, both clubs have faced stiff competition in a highly competitive AFL landscape, and the demands of travel — especially for teams located on the isolated west coast of Australia — have been a major factor in their struggles. The 2025 fixture, however, has been structured to ease this burden, with a notable concentration of home games in the first half of the season. This shift has been welcomed by club officials, players, and fans alike, as it provides a rare chance for WA teams to build momentum early in the year, minimizing the fatigue often associated with long away trips.
The Benefits of a Favourable Fixture
The primary reason the 2025 fixture has garnered so much excitement is the scheduling of games, which provides both clubs with extended blocks of home games. For Fremantle and West Coast, playing more games at Optus Stadium in Perth offers several key advantages. First, there’s the obvious benefit of familiar conditions. Home games allow teams to play on their home ground, in front of their home crowd, with all the advantages of local knowledge and support.
Secondly, the reduced travel schedule can help manage player fatigue. In a typical AFL season, teams based in Perth are required to fly interstate several times, often with limited recovery time between games. This can impact performance, particularly when the team is facing physically demanding away games in the east, such as matches in Melbourne or Sydney. A concentrated block of home games allows WA clubs to focus on preparation and recovery without the added physical toll of constant travel.
Moreover, early-season home games are especially valuable because they can provide an opportunity to build early-season confidence. For teams looking to turn their fortunes around after challenging previous seasons — like West Coast, who struggled through the 2023 and 2024 campaigns — having a favorable fixture to begin the season could be a game-changer.
Optimism for West Coast and Fremantle
West Coast, in particular, is looking to rebound from a prolonged period of rebuilding after their 2018 premiership glory. With the 2025 fixture, the Eagles are optimistic that an extended run of home games could allow them to start the season strongly and set a foundation for the future. With a squad that features an exciting mix of young talent and experienced players, the team will be hoping to capitalize on the relatively gentle start to the season.
Fremantle, on the other hand, is focused on consolidating their position in the finals race. The Dockers have shown steady improvement in recent years, and a run of home games provides the ideal opportunity to build momentum toward a top-eight finish. The team’s strong young midfield, bolstered by experienced leaders, will be eager to take full advantage of the favorable fixture to enhance their chances of a finals berth.
Conclusion
The 2025 AFL fixture has been hailed as a positive development for WA clubs, particularly in terms of the favorable concentration of home games. For both West Coast and Fremantle, the opportunity to build early-season momentum without the heavy burden of travel is invaluable. As they look to restore their positions as genuine contenders, both clubs will be eager to make the most of this promising fixture and give their supporters something to cheer about in 2025.
