FREMANTLE captain Matthew Pavlich has made a habit of dominating big games against Geelong the past two years and the Dockers will need him to lift again in his 300th match on Saturday. Precariously placed at 4-4, Fremantle is looking to rebound from an 18-point loss to Port Adelaide in round eight. The Cats have enjoyed a week off and travel west with just one loss to their name (against Port Adelaide in round six). They'll be looking to strike back after last year's qualifying final defeat on their home turf.




WHERE AND WHEN: Patersons Stadium, Saturday May 17, 5.40pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide  

LAST FIVE TIMES
2QF, 2013, Fremantle 12.15 (87) d Geelong 9.18 (72) at Simonds Stadium
R14, 2013, Geelong 11.19 (85) d Fremantle 7.2 (44) at Simonds Stadium
2EF, 2012, Fremantle 14.12 (96) d Geelong 11.14 (80) at the MCG
R1, 2012, Fremantle 16.9 (105) d Geelong 15.11 (101) at Patersons Stadium
R2, 2011, Geelong 13.11 (89) d Fremantle 10.18 (78) at Patersons Stadium

THE SIX POINTS
1. When the Dockers upset the Cats in last season's qualifying final at Simonds Stadium, Fremantle only had more tackles and hit-outs while scoring shots were level. Geelong had more disposals and marks.

2. It could be a battle of the game’s best inside 50 players. Freo's Danyle Pearce leads the AFL for forward entries (52), with Geelong’s Steven Johnson second (42) and Docker Stephen Hill third (40).

3. Fremantle’s greatest winning margin against Geelong is just 45 points (in 2002), while the Cats' biggest win over the Dockers is 74 points (in 2008).

4. Geelong has struggled in the clearances this season, ranked 17th, but they do have a player in the top three, with Joel Selwood ranked third. Fremantle is ranked third overall in the competition.

5. Geelong has won eight of 14 clashes against Fremantle at Patersons Stadium, but only one of its last three in Perth.

6. Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich has moved up 14 positions in the Official AFL Player Ratings this season, jumping from No.70 overall to No.56. His highest rating since the start of 2012 was No.30 after round 19, 2012.

Prediction: Geelong by 19 points