A massive challenge awaits us as we take on the in-form Fremantle on their home deck this weekend. There’s no doubt the Dockers will be riding high after breaking the Demon's win streak last week, while we took plenty away from our slow start against the Giants.
Last Time We Met
Fremantle 54 def. by Brisbane 118 (Round 21 2021)
Last time we played Fremantle, we rediscovered our mojo after a poor month where we lost to St. Kilda, Richmond, and Hawthorn.
The Dockers came out firing early before we found our trademark ‘Lions Footy’ and blew the home side out of the water with our pressure game and ball use.
Our Skipper was the star, finishing with 34 disposals, 10 tackles and 11 inside 50s, while Joe Daniher kicked 4 majors, his equal best return as a Lion.
Key Match Ups
Neale vs Brayshaw
It’s setting up to be the battle of the elite midfielders with Lachie Neale and Andrew Brayshaw arguably both in career-best form this year.
Our Brownlow Medallist is averaging 32.1 disposals and 7.9 clearances, sitting him in the elite category and third overall for total disposals in the competition.
Similar can be said for Brayshaw, who sits in the elite category for disposals and tackles, with averages of 29.8 and 6.1 respectively.
McInerney vs Darcy
It’ll be a clash of the tall timber when Oscar McInerney and Sean Darcy meet at the centre bounce at 3:20pm on Sunday afternoon.
Darcy has impressed this year with his work around the ground and ability to damage the scoreboard. Averaging 30.4 hitouts and kicking seven goals in the opening 11 rounds, the 23-year-old will pose a physical challenge for the Lions ruck stocks.
McInerney will be looking to pick up from where he left last time off at Optus Stadium, where he collected 17 disposals, 2 goals and 23 hitouts. The ‘Big O’ will be ready to bounce back in a big way after the Giants dominated centre clearances in the Lions Round 11 clash last week.
It’s a Big Week for….
Lachie Neale.
The 2020 Brownlow Medallist is arguably in the best form of his career, currently sitting second in the AFL Coaches’ Association votes and averaging a career-high 32.1 disposals.
Sunday’s game will be the second time Neale will come up against his former side on their home deck, having missed the Lions last Optus Stadium clash through injury.
Against a hostile crowd, the 29-year-old will be looking to show Perth punters his scary best, with Fremantle tossing up whether to utilise James Aish as a hard tag to try and limit Neale’s impact.
At his best, Neale is a match-winner and Lions fans will be hopeful he’ll put on a big show in the west come Sunday.
For all the Game Day Info, head here
