SUMMARY
The last time the Lions faced the Dockers at Domain Stadium they kicked just three goals. They haven't beaten the Dockers since 2009 and they haven't really tested them since 2011. They will need to catch Fremantle's midfield on an off day and take every half opportunity to kick a winning score. But they served it up to the Crows last week, and Collingwood and Richmond showed that if you bring great pressure to the Dockers at home you can test them. The Dockers need a better spread of goalkickers this week after diminishing returns over the last four matches.
WHERE AND WHEN: Domain Stadium, Sunday, July 5, 2.40pm
AWST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R22, 2014, Fremantle 15.16 (106) d Brisbane 6.12 (48) at the Gabba
R14, 2014, Fremantle 15.15 (105) d Brisbane 3.4 (22) at Subiaco Oval
R12, 2013, Fremantle 12.14 (86) d Brisbane 6.10 (46) at Subiaco Oval
R3, 2012, Fremantle 8.16 (64) d Brisbane 5.5 (35) at Subiaco Oval
R14, 2011, Fremantle 12.16 (88) d Brisbane 10.5 (65) at Subiaco Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Lions have struggled against Fremantle recently. Since 2011 their average score is only 51 points per game, and they have kicked six goals or fewer in each of the last four games.
2. It will be a battle of the best defensive side in 2015 and one of the worst offensive teams. The Dockers are conceding only 64.5 points per game. The Lions are kicking only 71.8 points per game.
3. The Dockers are the number one clearance side in 2015, averaging 43.5 per game. Aaron Sandilands is ranked second for hit-outs with a total of 519 at 43.2 per game.
4. The Lions' recent record at Domain Stadium is poor, losing their last five games by an average margin of 50 points. They've kicked six goals or fewer in three of the last four.
5. Fremantle is ranked third for contested possession in 2015, averaging 141.1 per game. The Lions are ranked 17th with 127.7 per game.
6. The Lions' small forwards Dayne Zorko (57th) and Josh Green (89th) are ranked well ahead of Fremantle's Michael Walters (107th) and Hayden Ballantyne (191st) on the Official AFL Player Ratings.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Dayne Beams. Fremantle's midfield is the best in the business at the moment and if the Lions are any chance of causing an upset they need to try to at least break even. Beams is the man to ignite them given he is in good form.
PREDICTION: Fremantle by 40 points
