SUMMARY
Ross Lyon has promised heads will roll following Fremantle's uncompetitive and embarrassing 89-point defeat to Port Adelaide in round two. Dockers fans are clamouring for an injection of youth into an ageing line-up in response to a 0-2 start marred by shocking turnovers from defence and stagnant ball movement, which sees Freo anchored to last spot as the lowest scoring side in the competition. It doesn't get any easier for the Dockers, who are coming off a six-day break against the reigning premiers. The Bulldogs are sitting pretty at 2-0 after hard-earned victories over Collingwood and the Swans in a rematch of last year's Grand Final. Luke Beveridge's men haven't beaten Freo in Perth since 2009, but Domain Stadium will hold no fears after their stunning elimination final triumph over West Coast last year triggered a fairytale run to the premiership.
WHERE AND WHEN: Domain Stadium, Saturday, April 8, 5.40pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R23, 2016, Fremantle 10.9 (69) d Western Bulldogs 6.13 (49) at Domain Stadium
R1, 2016, Western Bulldogs 15.13 (103) d Fremantle 5.8 (38) at Etihad Stadium
R7, 2015, Fremantle 15.11 (101) d Western Bulldogs 14.4 (88) at Etihad Stadium
R11, 2014, Fremantle 13.11 (89) d Western Bulldogs 6.15 (51) at Etihad Stadium
R2, 2013, Fremantle 16.10 (106) d Western Bulldogs 11.12 (78) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Dockers have lost 10 of their last 11 games, with the only win coming in Matthew Pavlich's farewell game in round 23 last year against the Bulldogs. Lachie Neale was best on ground that day with 36 disposals and one goal.
2. After two rounds, the Dogs are the No.1 tackling side by a long way. They are averaging 85.5 per game – 13 more than the second-best tackling team Richmond.
3. Fremantle remains dominant around clearances despite a poor start to the season. The Dockers are ranked first (44 per game) and the Dogs are last (30.5).
4. The Bulldogs raided West Coast's fortress in last year's elimination final but have lost the past three to Freo in Perth stretching back to round one, 2009.
5. If Fremantle loses again it will be the second straight season it is winless after three rounds. Since the start of 2016 the Dockers have won only four of 24 games compared to the Bulldogs' 21 of 28.
6. The Dogs' evenness is reflected in the Schick AFL Player Ratings. The Dogs have 15 players in the top 200 overall, compared to Freo's seven.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Ross Lyon.
The Dockers coach is feeling the heat after two abject performances. Freo is rooted to the bottom of the ladder, has been plagued by horrendous foot skills and is the lowest-scoring team in an era of attacking football. Lyon has signalled youngsters will get their chance. Can the Dockers climb off the canvas and show some fight?
PREDICTION: Western Bulldogs by 46 points.
