THE DOCKERS have conceded just 10 goals in two games so far this season, although the tight-knit Fremantle backline loses a key member this week with Zac Dawson out with suspension. Both clubs face challenges at selection for the Grand Final rematch. Nat Fyfe is also suspended for Fremantle while Michael Barlow is out for six weeks with a knee strain. Hawks skipper Luke Hodge is likely to miss with a groin complaint but coach Alastair Clarkson faces a big call on Sam Mitchell (calf), Ben Stratton (calf/hamstring) and Brad Sewell (knee). Expect them to be named, but for the Hawks to wait until handing in the team sheets 90 minutes before the start to make the final call. The game itself is a line ball. Freo is in better touch so far in 2014, however the Hawks are back at their beloved MCG in front of a home crowd sure to be revved up by the flag unfurling before the match. It is Freo that travels across the country with one less day to prepare, but with the motivation to partly avenge last year's Grand Final defeat, we can expect a classic.





WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Friday, April 4, 7.50pm? AEDT

TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide

LAST FIVE TIMES
GF, 2013, Hawthorn 11.11 (77) d Fremantle 8.14 (62) at the MCG
R4, 2013, Hawthorn 18.10 (118) d Fremantle 11.10 (76) at Aurora Stadium
R8, 2012, Hawthorn 17.17 (119) d Fremantle 9.9 (63) at Aurora Stadium
R19, 2011, Hawthorn 13.17 (95) d Fremantle 6.8 (44) at Patersons Stadium
R11, 2011, Hawthorn 17.9 (111) d Fremantle 13.11 (89) at the MCG

THE SIX POINTS
1. Hawthorn defeated Fremantle twice in 2013, winning by 42 points in round four at Aurora Stadium before winning the Grand Final by 15 points at the MCG.

2. No team has had more inside 50s so far in 2014 than Fremantle, with an average of 63 per game while Hawthorn is ninth with 51 per game.

3. The Hawks have dominated the Dockers in recent seasons winning eight of the last nine matches. Fremantle’s last win was in the 2010 elimination final.

4. In the opening two rounds Fremantle has conceded just 10 goals, five each to Collingwood in round one and Gold Coast in round two.

5. One thing in Fremantle’s favour might be recent history - in four of the past five seasons the Grand Final rematch has been won by the runner up.

6. Surprisingly, neither 2013 Grand Finalist has a player in the top 10 of the Official AFL Player Ratings. Hawks pair Cyril Rioli and Sam Mitchell come in at 12 and 13 respectively, while Stephen Hill at 30 is the highest ranked Docker.

PREDICTION: Fremantle by two points