SUMMARY
Finals aren't a priority for either of these teams but, coming off losses to their arch-rivals, this clash shapes as the last chance for Fremantle or Hawthorn to stay in the top-eight mix. The Dockers will be kicking themselves for blowing a golden opportunity to win the final Western Derby at Domain Stadium, when horrible skill errors came back to bite. Freo went at just 57 per cent by foot and booted 5.14. Ross Lyon didn't blame the forwards but Cam McCarthy's expected return from suspension should give the Dockers more firepower. The Hawks have slid down the ladder this year but are exposing their kids – a la Fremantle last season – and coach Alastair Clarkson was pleased with what he saw in a three-point loss to Geelong last round. Hawthorn has taken it up to some finals-bound sides this year and has the wood on Freo, winning nine of the past 10 encounters.
WHERE AND WHEN: Domain Stadium, Saturday, July 22, 5.40pm AWST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R8, 2016, Hawthorn 17.14 (116) d Fremantle 11.9 (75) at Uni of Tasmania Stadium
1PF, 2015, Hawthorn 15.4 (94) d Fremantle 10.7 (67) at Domain Stadium
R15, 2015, Hawthorn 17.13 (115) d Fremantle 6.7 (43) at Uni of Tasmania Stadium
R21, 2014, Fremantle 17.8 (110) d Hawthorn 13.13 (91) at Domain Stadium
R3, 2014, Hawthorn 21.11 (137) d Fremantle 11.13 (79) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Hawthorn has dominated Fremantle over the last decade, winning nine of the last 10 clashes - including four by more than 50 points. The Dockers' victory came at home in round 21, 2014 by 19 points.
2. In the most recent clash the Dockers led by two points at half-time before the Hawks kicked 11 goals to four in the second half. Luke Breust and Jack Gunston kicked three goals each.
3. This is the 15th time the teams will meet at Domain Stadium with Hawthorn winning eight games to six.
4. Freo had a day to forget in the Western Derby last round, going at just 57 per cent kicking efficiency and booting 5.14. The Dockers' disposal efficiency for the season is 73.4 per cent (AFL No.8), but the Hawks lead the League at 75.7.
5. The Hawks are transitioning but their uncontested possession game (252.2 per game, AFL No.6) is still a hallmark of their style under Alastair Clarkson, as is a low contested ball count (AFL No.17).
6. Hawthorn ball-magnet Tom Mitchell racked up another 43 touches and booted two goals in the loss to Geelong and has climbed to a career-high 48th overall in theSchick AFL Player Ratings, up 14 spots this season.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Nat Fyfe
The superstar cheered up Freo fans after the Western Derby loss by announcing a mega six-year contract extension on Monday. Fyfe is getting back to his explosive best and would love to cap a momentous week with a rare win over the Hawks.
PREDICTION: Fremantle by six points
