Rushton Park, Mandurah (WA), Saturday, March 9, 3.30pm (AWDT)
MISSING
Fremantle: Anthony Morabito, Aaron Sandilands
Western Bulldogs: Jake Stringer, Shaun Higgins, Tom Williams
LAST WEEK
Fremantle: With midfielders Stephen Hill and Michael Barlow rested and captain Matthew Pavlich also missing pending the birth of his first child, Fremantle was handed a pre-season belting by Carlton. Coach Ross Lyon said he had tried to expose young players, but he was let down. Carlton won the contested possessions (154-115) and inside 50s (59-45) in a dominant 70-point win at Etihad Stadium.
Western Bulldogs: Experienced midfielders Matthew Boyd and Ryan Griffen led the Bulldogs to a dramatic one-point win over Hawthorn at Etihad Stadium, the team's first win since round 12 last season. Hard-nosed recruits Koby Stevens and Nick Lower were also impressive, with the Dogs winning the clearances (41-30) and contested possession (118-107). Draftee Jake Stringer snapped a goal with his first kick before being subbed out with an ankle injury.
WHAT THEY SAY
Fremantle: "Our centre square bounce work was poor for the second week in a row. That's easily fixed. I think they had seven shots out of the middle in the first half. It normally takes you about four games to get to that. We've got some clear things to fix up. We were finessing, a bit cute, lacked urgency and we paid the full toll on that." – coach Ross Lyon
Western Bulldogs: "It was good for them to get a win and think their way through it against a high-quality club who are probably a little bit behind us with preparation and work. There were some promising signs." – coach Brendan McCartney
WE SAY
Fremantle: Expect a much crisper performance from a Fremantle team that will be close to full strength two weeks out from round one. Midfielders Hill and Barlow will return, while forwards Pavlich and Chris Mayne should be back. Two out of Fremantle's three performances have been ordinary this pre-season, so it is time to build form and confidence ahead of the season-opening derby.
Western Bulldogs: Nick Lower was delisted by Fremantle at the end of 2012 to make room for the minimum three picks at the NAB AFL Draft, but the club had committed to re-draft him in December. Lower declined that offer and moved to the Bulldogs and he will be keen to impress against his old club. There will also be interest in midfielder Adam Cooney, who should return after being rested with a hip complaint.
