THESE contests have been mismatches recently, with Fremantle barely giving the Lions a sniff. And looking at their ladder positions, it should be again. But after the Lions routed Collingwood by 67 points last Saturday night, the home team isn't without a chance this time around. The run-and-dash shown by Pearce Hanley, Dayne Zorko and Lewy Taylor against the Magpies will be put to the ultimate test by the suffocating Fremantle pressure. The Dockers look to be getting back to near their 2013 best following a narrow loss to Geelong and impressive victory over Hawthorn. With a top-four spot still to be sewn up, Fremantle has too much to play for to not be switched on for this one.


WHERE AND WHEN: Gabba, Sunday August 24, 1.10pm AEST
 
LAST FIVE TIMES
R14, 2014, Fremantle 15.15 (105) d Brisbane Lions 3.4 (22) at Patersons Stadium
R12, 2013, Fremantle 12.14 (86) d Brisbane Lions 6.10 (46) at Patersons Stadium
R3, 2012, Fremantle 8.16 (64) d Brisbane Lions 5.5 (35) at Patersons Stadium
R14, 2011, Fremantle 12.16 (88) d Brisbane Lions 10.5 (65) at Patersons Stadium
R1, 2011, Fremantle 13.16 (94) d Brisbane Lions 14.8 (92) at the Gabba
 
 
THE SIX POINTS
1. In Fremantle’s big win over the Lions in round 14, Hayden Ballantyne booted five goals and Nat Fyfe starred with 29 disposals. The Lions' half-time score of only one behind was the lowest in the club’s history.
 
2. The Lions' 123 points against Collingwood last weekend was their highest score since an identical output against GWS in round 21 last year.
 
3. Fremantle has won the past six contests between the clubs, with the Lions averaging just 34 points a game over the past three. Their final score in round 14 was their lowest ever against the Dockers. 
 
4. Despite having the No.1 ranked ruckman in 2014 - with Aaron Sandilands averaging 38.4 hit-outs a game - the Dockers continue to struggle in centre clearances, ranked 13th with an average of 11.7. The Lions are marginally worse, ranked 14th.
 
5. The Lions are the worst contested possession side in 2014, ranked 18th with 125.9 a game, while the Dockers have been strong, ranked fourth (144.9 a game).
 
6. After his 23 touches and three goals against Hawthorn last weekend, exciting Fremantle midfielder Stephen Hill has jumped to a career-high 19th on the Official AFL Player Ratings.
 
Prediction: Fremantle by 22 points