SUMMARY
Fremantle is playing as good a footy as any team in the competition after the first month of the 2015 season. The Dockers midfield has been dominant in all four games, led by their superstar Nat Fyfe. However, it has been far from a one-man show with David Mundy, Michael Barlow, Stephen Hill and Lachie Neale all contributing at a high level. The Demons are full of confidence after outplaying Richmond last Friday night, but a tough stretch against the Dockers this Sunday, followed by duels with the Sydney Swans and Hawthorn should reveal how much improvement they have made this season.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday 1.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
PAST FIVE TIMES
R16, 2014, Fremantle 15.7 (97) d Melbourne 4.10 (34) at TIO Stadium
R21, 2013, Fremantle 20.13 (133) d Melbourne 5.8 (38) at the MCG
R9, 2013, Fremantle 19.16 (130) d Melbourne 6.4 (40) at Subiaco Oval
R23, 2012, Fremantle 14.17 (101) d Melbourne 5.10 (40) at Subiaco Oval
R16, 2012, Fremantle 18.9 (117) d Melbourne 12.11 (83) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Fremantle crushed Melbourne the last time the sides met. The Dockers won the disposal count (392-315); marks (95-71) and inside 50s (60-32), while the Demons managed only one goal in the first half.
2. The Dockers continue to dominate in the ruck, ranking first for total hit-outs. Aaron Sandilands places third in the competition with 37.7 hit-outs per game.
3. Fremantle has dominated Melbourne recently, with five consecutive wins since 2012. Its average winning margin is 68.6 points in that time.
4. The Dockers have won just one of four final quarters so far in 2015.
5. The Demons have taken the equal least number (30) of marks inside 50 in 2015. Fremantle is ranked in the top 10 with 45.
6. In-form Melbourne defender Tom McDonald has moved down 16 places to be ranked No.133rd in the competition according to the Official AFL Player Ratings. Likely opponent, Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich, is 93rd in the League.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Bernie Vince. Vince has been outstanding in run-with roles against Patrick Dangerfield and Trent Cotchin in the past few weeks. The midfielder's mooted matchup with Nat Fyfe shapes as a pivotal one in the context of the game. Fyfe is near 'untaggable' with his strength at the contest and his aerial ability proving difficult to contain. It will require a great deal of discipline and a lot of help from teammates for Vince to win his battle with the standalone Brownlow Medal favourite.
PREDICTION: Fremantle by 29 points
