SUMMARY
Fremantle's stunning resurgence gathered momentum with a thrilling two-point win over Melbourne at the MCG and, as unthinkable as it was after two rounds, the Dockers are now out of the top eight only on percentage – although they have a large gap to make up. Ross Lyon's men have been rejuvenated by an injection of youth, a sharp lift in pressure and some outstanding form from their senior campaigners, including former skipper David Mundy and Lachie Neale in new roles spending more time in attack. The Kangaroos will be steaming after letting another golden opportunity slip against the Bulldogs on Good Friday, and will have to defy a poor record of five losses from their last six games at Domain Stadium against Fremantle to notch their first win this season.
WHERE AND WHEN: Domain Stadium, Saturday, April 22, 5.40pm AWST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R4, 2016, North Melbourne 20.12 (132) d Fremantle 14.17 (101) at Etihad Stadium
R21, 2015, North Melbourne 14.10 (94) d Fremantle 12.11 (83) at Etihad Stadium
R8, 2015, Fremantle 17.13 (115) d North Melbourne 5.12 (42) at Domain Stadium
R6, 2014, North Melbourne 10.14 (74) d Fremantle 8.13 (61) at Domain Stadium
R13, 2013, Fremantle 10.7 (67) d North Melbourne 4.5 (29) at Domain Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Only seven points separated the sides at three quarter-time when they last played, before the Kangaroos kicked six goals to two in the final quarter. Nat Fyfe picked up the three Brownlow votes with 27 touches and four goals.
2. The Dockers are ranked 17th for contested possessions this season (135.3 per game) but North isn't much better coming in at 13th (141.8).
3. Both sides are strong out of the centre, though, largely thanks to their influential ruckmen. Freo is ranked fourth (15.3 centre clearances) and the Roos are averaging 14.5 per game.
4. North Melbourne has to overcome a poor recent history at Domain Stadium to upset Freo. The Roos have lost their past three in Perth and nine of their past 11.
5. Another defeat and it will be the first time since 1972 the Kangaroos have lost their first five games of a season. A rejuvenated Fremantle is aiming for three consecutive wins for the first time since rounds 11-13 last season.
6. Lachie Neale surged five spots up the Schick AFL Player Ratings chart to 29th overall after his stellar four-goal and 22-disposal effort in Freo's nailbiting win over Melbourne at the MCG.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR … Braydon Preuss
The former rookie has made an impressive start to his AFL career, but will face his toughest challenge yet partnering Todd Goldstein against Aaron Sandilands. The Dockers' colossus was outstanding with 53 hit-outs against Melbourne and has been a key to Freo's resurgent form.
PREDICTION: Fremantle by 14 points
