SUMMARY
The pressure continues to mount on the winless Dockers, who venture to Adelaide Oval in terrible shape, hoping to bring down a flying Crows outfit. Adelaide was sensational last Friday night against Hawthorn, going down by just three points. Although it failed to take home the four points on offer, the display further cemented the club’s belief in its game plan and indeed its personnel. Fremantle would surely need a miracle to upset the Crows on their home turf, particularly given the devastating loss of superstar Nat Fyfe to injury. Complacency looms as Adelaide’s major threat on Saturday; can the club continue its momentum and send the crowd home happy? A win for the Dockers would be just the remedy for a disastrous start to the season - they’ve nothing lose and everything to gain.
Freo mid Michael Barlow will need to step up in the absence of Nat Fyfe. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Saturday, April 30, 1.40pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R9, 2015, Fremantle 10.8 (68) d Adelaide 7.15 (57) at Adelaide Oval
R12, 2014, Fremantle 12.18 (90) d Adelaide 7.8 (50) at Domain Stadium
R18, 2013, Fremantle 11.9 (75) d Adelaide 7.11 (53) at Domain Stadium
R10, 2013, Fremantle 10.6 (66) d Adelaide 8.11 (59) at AAMI Stadium
SF, 2012, Adelaide 12.9 (81) d Fremantle 11.5 (71) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Dockers defeated the Crows by 11 points in a wet, low-scoring contest in round nine, 2015 at Adelaide Oval. Fyfe had 40 disposals and former Crow Patrick Dangerfield had 38 touches.
2. Adelaide and Fremantle will play for the 35th time and the Crows still hold a narrow advantage, winning 19 games to 15.
3. Fremantle has now defeated Adelaide four times in a row; the Crows haven’t beaten the Dockers since the 2012 semi-final.
4. Heavily in Adelaide’s favour is their record against the Dockers in Adelaide, winning 14 games to six; all at AAMI Stadium.
5. Ross Lyon enjoys an impressive record against the Crows as coach, 10 wins from 15 games with both St Kilda and Fremantle.
6. Fyfe might be the League’s best player according to Schick AFL Player Ratings, but Rory Sloane will be the highest-ranked player at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night. He’s ranked sixth, four points behind fifth-placed Scott Pendlebury.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Michael Barlow.
Without Fyfe, Barlow needs to put in an almost career-best performance if the Dockers are any chance. Adelaide’s midfield has exceeded all expectations this season, so Barlow will have to be at his absolute best to ensure Fremantle holds its own at stoppages.
PREDICTION: Adelaide by 34 points.
