SUMMARY

Fremantle are flying at the moment, and rightly should be premiership favourites at this early stage of the season. The Dockers midfield has looked unstoppable, with Aaron Sandilands giving first use to Brownlow favourite Nat Fyfe and star David Mundy. If the Dogs are any chance of winning this game, they need to get on top in this area. While they certainly have young talent in the midfield, the question is how will they compete against the hardened, big-bodied Dockers? The Bulldogs surrendered a 55-point lead last week against the Saints, and looked tired and sore. However, a win against the Swans two weeks ago will give them the confidence that they have what it takes to be competitive against an unbeaten Fremantle side.

WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, May 17, 1.10pm AEST

TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide

LAST FIVE TIMES

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
R15, 2012, Fremantle 14.11 (95) d Western Bulldogs 8.9 (57) at Subiaco Oval
R21, 2011, Western Bulldogs 15.17 (107) d Fremantle 8.13 (61) at Etihad Stadium
R5, 2011, Fremantle 12.13 (85) d Western Bulldogs 11.12 (78) at Subiaco Oval

THE SIX POINTS

1. Last time these two sides met, the Bulldogs had more disposals (414-362) and more inside 50s (67-41) but somehow still lost the game by 38 points.

2. Fremantle has taken the most contested marks in 2015 with a total of 82 and an average of 13.7 per game. The Bulldogs on the other hand are equal 11th in this area.

3. Despite being the only undefeated team in the competition, Fremantle is ranked a surprising 11th when it comes to inside 50s, averaging 51 per game. Meanwhile the Bulldogs are averaging 55 per game.

4. These two sides have met 15 times in Melbourne with the Bulldogs winning 10 of those clashes.

5. Fremantle is the No.1 side in the League when it comes to uncontested possession. They're averaging 252.7 uncontested possessions per game in 2015.

6. Stephen Hill starred for the Dockers last time these two sides met with 24 disposals and four goals. He is Fremantle's No.2 ranked player, according to the AFL Official Player Ratings, behind Nat Fyfe of course. Hill is ranked 24 in the League overall.

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …

Tom Boyd. We've seen some really good signs from Boyd in his first six games for the Bulldogs. Undoubtedly his best game was against the premiers where he kicked three goals and had 14 touches against an injury-riddled Hawthorn defence. Fremantle's defence is a little undersized at the moment with Luke McPharlin injured. Michael Johnson has been playing tall, while Alex Pearce played his first game last week against the Bombers. Boyd needs to take advantage of this opportunity. He took some strong contested marks last week against the Saints but failed to convert on the scoreboard. This is another chance to stand up.

PREDICTION: Fremantle by 27 points