SUMMARY
The clash looms as one of the matches of the round after the pulsating encounter the two sides served up at the same venue in round seven last year. With both sides possessing A-grade midfields, the winner of that battle will more than likely get the win. A match up between the supremely gifted duo Nathan Fyfe and Marcus Bontempelli is worth the admission price alone. With the Dockers falling just short of a maiden premiership in recent years, look for Ross Lyon's men to tone down their renowned defensive approach in search of more goals. But don't expect the Dogs to be making major alterations to their game plan, with their 'fast footy' style of play suited to high scoring footy and Etihad Stadium.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, March 27, 1.10pm AEDT
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R7, 2015, Fremantle 15.11 (101) d Western Bulldogs 14.4 (88) at Etihad Stadium
R11, 2014, Fremantle 13.11 (89) d Western Bulldogs 6.15 (51) at Etihad Stadium
R2, 2013, Fremantle 16.10 (106) d Western Bulldogs 11.12 (78) at Etihad Stadium
R15, 2012, Fremantle 14.11 (95) d Western Bulldogs 8.9 (57) at Domain Stadium
R24, 2011, Western Bulldogs 15.17 (107) d Fremantle 8.13 (61) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Nat Fyfe starred for the Dockers in their win over the Bulldogs in 2015, earning the three Brownlow votes with 30 disposals and three goals. For the Bulldogs Troy Dickson booted a career-high seven goals.
2. Fremantle was once again one of the best defences in 2015, conceding only an average of 71 points per game. They conceded only 100 points or more in a game three times.
3. The Dockers have now won five of the last six clashes between the sides, ending the Bulldogs dominance of six consecutive wins in 2006-10.
4. Fremantle was a strong clearance team in 2015, ranked second thanks to the best clearance player in 2015, Nat Fyfe, who averaged 8.65 per game.
5. In 2015 the Western Bulldogs won 11 of 13 games at Etihad Stadium, kicking an average score of 106 points to their opposition's 70. Fremantle won five of six games in 2015 in Victoria.
6. Both teams have impressive small forwards, with Bulldog Jake Stringer kicking 56 goals last season and Michael Walters leading the Dockers' goal-kicking with 44.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Tom Boyd: With the 20-year-old reportedly being paid around $1 million this season, there have been calls for his output to match his contract. While his form in the NAB Challenge has been very encouraging, Boyd is yet to tear a game apart. If the Dogs can get the ball in quick to him, a breakout game and a bag of goals is very much on the cards.
PREDICTION: Western Bulldogs by 15 points
