Where and when: Optus Stadium, Saturday August 3, 2.35pm AWST

TV, radio and online: Click here for broadcast guide

What it means for Fremantle: The Dockers are a mathematical finals chance but it's not a realistic hope after a sharp drop in form and scoring. They have lost five from six amid another fade-out, and need to stop the season from slipping into the abyss.

What it means for Geelong: Two more wins should be enough for the Cats to claim top spot given their excellent percentage and, while that will be the main aim, Chris Scott's men will want to build on their win over Sydney after some shaky form.

The stat: Last time the teams met Geelong tore a listless Fremantle apart at the Cattery in round 22 last year, piling on 23 unanswered goals in a 133-point belting – the largest defeat in the Dockers' history. 

The match-up: Tom Hawkins v Joel Hamling

Hawkins monstered the Swans in game 250, bagging five majors to move within 10 of Coleman Medal leader Jeremy Cameron (57). The big Cat, ranked the No.2 key forward by the Official AFL Player Ratings, has 11kg on Hamling (No.15 key defender) and while the Docker can hold his own, he could use some help from his teammates to limit Hawkins' impact.

It's a big week for: Tim Kelly (Geelong)

Back in his home state as a Cat for the first time since last year's failed trade to West Coast, the Brownlow Medal chance will be the centre of attention everywhere he goes as speculation about his future continues. The Dockers believe they are in the mix for Kelly at season's end, and the former South Fremantle star will be keen to perform at Optus Stadium.

Big call: Geelong's miserly defence (AFL No.1) to hold Fremantle to five goals with rain forecast in Perth.

Prediction: Cats by 39 points