Expect the forward scouts to flock to the MCG on Sunday (and probably doubling the attendance in the process) to see how the Dockers structure up at the MCG, where they will be featuring for just the second time this year. It is the second of four relatively straightforward fixtures for Fremantle as it closes out the season and pushes towards a top-two berth and two home finals. Melbourne's awful season is petering out to a tepid close and Demon fans who do venture out for the club's last home game of the season should take note of who plays in the side and who is part of the support staff because things next season shape to be considerably different. Demons fans will also think wistfully about what might have happened had the club placed a direct call to Ross Lyon at the end of 2011 rather than his manager.

WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday August  1.10 pm

 

R9, 2013, Fremantle 19.16 (130) d Melbourne 6.4 (40) at Patersons Stadium

R23, 2012, Fremantle 14.17 (101) d Melbourne 5.10 (40) at Patersons Stadium

R16, 2012, Fremantle 18.9 (117) d Melbourne 12.11 (83) at Etihad Stadium

R13, 2011, Melbourne 22.17 (149) d Fremantle 8.12 (60) at the MCG

R16, 2010, Fremantle 11.16 (82) d Melbourne 10.11 (71) at Patersons Stadium

1. Fremantle thrashed Melbourne earlier this season in round nine winning by 90 points at Patersons Stadium. David Mundy starred with 34 possessions while Jeremy Howe was the Demons' best with 27 touches and two goals.

2. This will be the 31st clash between the sides with Fremantle holding the advantage 17 wins to 13.

3. At the MCG there have been 11 previous clashes and Melbourne holds the advantage winning seven games to four.

4. If Fremantle wins again it will equal its longest winning sequence of four games against Melbourne, originally set in 2006-07.

5. A sign of Fremantle's evenness is that it is now considered a genuine flag chance yet its top-ranked player in the Official AFL Player Rankings is Stephen Hill at No.60.

6. A battle of the worst offence and the best defence; Melbourne averages only 67 points a game this season; Fremantle is conceding only 69 a game.