SUMMARY
The previous two clashes between these teams at Simonds Stadium have been memorable. Last season Fremantle midfielder David Mundy missed a set shot after the siren that would have given the Dockers a win. The year before, Fremantle famously upset Geelong at the venue in a qualifying final that confirmed the Dockers' 'anyone, anytime, anywhere' mantra. This encounter promises plenty. The doubts around Geelong are suddenly stronger than they have been for any time since 2007 after a dispiriting loss to Hawthorn, while Fremantle reminded everyone it is going to be a contender again with a hard-fought win over Port Adelaide. Both have strong teams full of competitors. The victor will need to be brave and take their chances when they come. It shapes as a last man standing affair.
WHERE AND WHEN: Simonds Stadium, Sunday, April 12, 1.10pm AEST
TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R20, 2014, Geelong 12.9 (81) d Fremantle 11.13 (79) at Simonds Stadium
R9, 2014, Fremantle 13.18 (96) d Geelong 9.10 (64) at Subiaco Oval
2QF, 2013, Fremantle 12.15 (87) d Geelong 9.18 (72) at Simonds Stadium
R14, 2013, Geelong 11.19 (85) d Fremantle 7.2 (44) at Simonds Stadium
2EF, 2012, Fremantle 14.12 (96) d Geelong 11.14 (80) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Cats' 62-point loss in round one was only the second time since the start of 2009 they had been defeated by 60 points or more.
2. Since 2011, Fremantle has won four of its seven clashes against Geelong. Four of the past six games have been decided by a margin less than three goals.
3. Since 2011, Geelong has won 27 of 29 games at home but one of its two losses in that time was against Fremantle in the 2013 finals series.
4. Fremantle dominated the centre clearances in round one, beating Port Adelaide 16 to 6.
5. Geelong's Harry Taylor took 19 marks and had 27 disposals in the Cats' two-point win over Fremantle when the teams last met.
6. Geelong has not had four successive losses since 2006 but with two defeats to end 2014 and a loss to Hawthorn in the opening round, it is staring that possibility down the barrel.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Joel Selwood. The Cats' captain is a champion but he lost his individual battle against Hawthorn and ended the game with just 21 disposals including 15 handballs. He carried the midfield on his broad shoulders last season but the Cats can't afford for him to be off his best for too long, particularly against the huge midfielders in the Dockers' ranks.
PREDICTION: Fremantle by 11 points
