SUMMARY
The Kangaroos were one of only two teams to beat the Dockers at Domain Stadium last season. They kicked three goals to none in the last quarter to run over the top. But 2015 is a different story. The Kangaroos have a two-day recovery advantage over Fremantle after playing last Friday night. But the Dockers are undefeated and have been ruthless so far this year. The ruck battle will be key, Aaron Sandilands has spoon-fed his midfield all season but Todd Goldstein is in terrific form.
WHERE AND WHEN: Domain Stadium, Saturday, May 23, 5.40pm AWST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
PAST FIVE TIMES
R6, 2014, North Melbourne 10.14 (74) d Fremantle 8.13 (61) at Subiaco Oval
R13, 2013, Fremantle 10.7 (67) d North Melbourne 4.5 (29) at Subiaco Oval
R22, 2012, Fremantle 20.12 (132) d North Melbourne 12.7 (79) at Etihad Stadium
R22, 2011, North Melbourne 21.17 (143) d Fremantle 6.9 (45) at Etihad Stadium
R4, 2011, Fremantle 18.19 (127) d North Melbourne 14.14 (98) at Subiaco Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. Brent Harvey was best on ground for the Kangaroos in their win over the Dockers in 2014. He had 29 disposals, five tackles and polled three Brownlow votes.
2. These two teams have laid the fewest tackles in 2015. Fremantle is ranked 17th in the AFL, averaging only 55, while the Kangaroos are 18th at 54.7 per game.
3. This will be the 25th meeting between the sides. North Melbourne has won 15 games to nine. Since 2009 the teams have four wins each.
4. The Dockers are the No.1 ranked defence in 2015 conceding only 65.5 points per game. The Kangaroos are ranked 12th conceding 93.8 points per game.
5. The Dockers have two of the top three ranked players for taking the ball inside 50 in 2015. Danyle Pearce is No.1 in the AFL with a total of 45 and Nat Fyfe is third with 41.
6. Todd Goldstein is the No.1 ranked ruckman on the Official AFL Player Ratings. Goldstein is ranked 11th overall. Aaron Sandilands is the third best ruckman, ranked 32nd overall.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Scott Thompson. Dockers skipper Matthew Pavlich has kicked nine goals in the past two weeks. Thompson appears the likely match-up for the Dockers skipper. If he can quell his influence it will force the Dockers to find other avenues to goal.
PREDICTION: Fremantle by 20 points
