SUMMARY
It was plausible to think that Carlton could be winless heading into round five but very few could have imagined last year's minor premiers would be in the same position. But that is exactly what has happened to Fremantle. The Dockers look a shadow of their former self at the moment with the second worst defence in the competition through four rounds. This week they meet the second worst attack in the AFL in Carlton. The Blues have been competitive without ever really threatening and this week presents a great opportunity. The Dockers have been struggling at stoppages this season and Patrick Cripps is the number one clearance player in the competition but his team has battled overall. His battle with reigning Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe will be pivotal to the outcome of the game.
Rising star Patrick Cripps will go head-to-head with superstar Nat Fyfe. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Domain Stadium, Sunday, April 24, 2.15pm AWST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R16, 2015, Fremantle 13.17 (95) d Carlton 8.5 (53) at Domain Stadium
R19, 2014, Fremantle 12.11 (83) d Carlton 11.12 (78) at Domain Stadium
R19, 2013, Fremantle 17.14 (116) d Carlton 12.8 (80) at Etihad Stadium
R5, 2012, Carlton 10.5 (65) d Fremantle 7.15 (57) at Domain Stadium
R21, 2011, Carlton 16.19 (115) d Fremantle 12.13 (85) at Domain Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Dockers' midfield was the difference when these teams last played. Lachie Neale had 31 disposals, David Mundy 30, Stephen Hill 28, Danyle Pearce 24 and Nat Fyfe 23. Aaron Sandilands dominated the ruck with 46 hit-outs.
2. No team has taken the ball inside 50 less in 2016 than Fremantle. The Dockers average only 43.5 entries per game but they have improved their scoring, managing to kick 100 points or more twice.
3. Carlton is ranked 18th for clearances in 2016 with an average of only 30.3 per game. The Blues are also last for centre clearances with 9.3 per game.
4. The two teams have played 17 times at Domain Stadium with the Dockers winning 11. Carlton hasn't won in Perth against either WA side since early in 2013.
5. Both teams have been struggling to score this season. Fremantle is ranked 15th for points per game with an average of 74.5. Carlton is 17th at 61 per game.
6. The Blues don't have a single player in the top-40 of the Schick AFL Player Ratings. Marc Murphy is the highest-ranked Blue at 43. The Dockers have three in the top 40 but only Nat Fyfe (No.1) is fit with Aaron Sandilands (21) and David Mundy (33) currently injured.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Patrick Cripps He's a star on the rise and the reason it's a big week for him is he gets the chance to test himself against the best big-bodied midfielder in the business in Nat Fyfe.
PREDICTION: Fremantle by 30 points
