WHEN these teams played off for fourth place in the last round of the home and away season it was thought the stakes could not be higher. Think again. The Dockers and Port Adelaide now meet at the same venue just two weeks later and the stakes have been raised. A preliminary final date with Hawthorn at the MCG next Saturday awaits the winner and the loser’s season is over. Fremantle won the round 23 clash by eight points. The differences this time are Port Adelaide travels off a six-day break as opposed to the Dockers’ seven-day rest.

WHERE AND WHEN: Patersons Stadium, Saturday September 13, 5.45pm AWST

TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide 

 

The Dockers trailed by 11 points at the six-minute mark of the third term before piling on nine unanswered goals to establish an unassailable 38-point lead in the last quarter.  Port Adelaide never gave up, kicking the last five goals of the match to give the Dockers a fright.  

 

It was a see-sawing battle for most of the afternoon with the Dockers leading by five points at three-quarter time. Port Adelaide's superior running power demolished them in the last quarter. The home side kicked five goals to two in the final term. Chad Wingard was the star with five goals. 

 

R23, 2014, Fremantle 16.9 (105) d Port Adelaide 14.13 (97) at Patersons Stadium

R8, 2014, Port Adelaide 13.16 (94) d Fremantle 11.10 (76) at Adelaide Oval

R22, 2013, Fremantle 21.8 (134) d Port Adelaide 9.6 (60) at Patersons Stadium

R18, 2012, Fremantle 11.9 (75) d Port Adelaide 6.12 (48) at AAMI Stadium

R7, 2012, Fremantle 12.15 (87) d Port Adelaide 7.5 (47) at Patersons Stadium

 

 

 

Crowley tagged Boak in the round 23 clash with great success. The Port skipper gathered 22 touches but only had five kicks and did not kick a goal. In the elimination final against Richmond Boak had 34 possessions and kicked a goal. Crowley was beaten by Dan Hannebery last week and will be keen to atone. 

 

The Fremantle skipper kicked four goals last week from limited opportunities to keep the Dockers in the match. Pavlich gathered 18 touches, took four marks and kicked two goals in round 23 against Carlile but his fellow forwards kicked 11 goals between them. 

 

Fremantle The Dockers have several key players under injury clouds. Hayden Ballantyne had surgery on a fractured jaw early this week and is very unlikely to play. Michael Barlow was on crutches post-match due to a foot issue but the club said it was precautionary. Luke McPharlin will try his best to return from a calf problem than has kept him out since round 20.

 

Port Adelaide Matt White broke his jaw laying a strong tackle on Sunday. It is only a small crack that doesn't require surgery and he is still in the frame to play this week.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THEY WIN? The winner will travel to the MCG to play a preliminary final against Hawthorn next Saturday night.

 

WHAT HAPPENS IF THEY LOSE? It's season over.

 

 

1. Fremantle has won seven of its past eight games against Port Adelaide, including the past five meetings at Patersons Stadium.

 

2. The Dockers have won three of their four finals at Patersons Stadium. Port Adelaide has lost six of its nine finals interstate.

 

3. Port Adelaide is second in clearances this season, averaging 40.3 a game. Fremantle is eighth, averaging 39.1 a game.

 

4. Fremantle has the edge in finals experience with a combined total of 199 games compared with Port Adelaide’s 105.

 

5. Ross Lyon has coached St Kilda and Fremantle to finals in every season except for his first in 2007. This will be his 18th final. He has eight wins and has coached teams past the second week of finals four times. 

6. Port Adelaide has kicked an average of 14.5 goals a game this season (second only to Hawthorn). Fremantle’s average of 13.3 goals is equal sixth.

PREDICTION: Fremantle by six points