FORM GUIDE
The Lions looked like they might have turned a corner in Round 8 following an inspired win over Essendon at Etihad Stadium, but have since dropped consecutive matches against Carlton and Collingwood at home to slip to 15th position on the ladder.

Even though the Lions have been without some key personnel in recent weeks, the team has failed to re-produce that same level of pressure and intensity that helped strangle the Bombers into submission.

Fremantle, on the other hand, are currently sitting fifth on the ladder having lost just two of their first 10 matches – against top four teams Hawthorn and Essendon.

The Dockers’ current run of six consecutive matches without a defeat is the best in the club’s history, and has them listed as fourth favourite for the flag.

Fremantle have certainly warmed to Ross Lyon’s defensive game-plan, having conceded more than 80 points on just one occasion this season.

SELECTION TABLE
The Lions have made a season-high seven changes to their Round 12 team, with a host of senior players being recalled for the trip to Perth.

Daniel Rich (shoulder), Matthew Leuenberger (thumb), Tom Rockliff (quad) and Mitch Golby (foot) are all back from stints on the sidelines, while Sam Mayes, Niall McKeever and Jordan Lisle have also returned.

Brent Moloney is the only forced ‘out’ after hurting his back during the team’s Round 10 match against Collingwood.

Patrick Karnezis, Marco Paparone, Jack Crisp, Billy Longer, Sam Michael and James Polkinghorne have all been omitted.

Fremantle have maintained a more settled line-up by making just the one change, with Alex Silvagni replacing Cameron Sutcliffe (omitted).

KEY MATCH-UPS
Niall McKeever can expect to work in tandem with Matthew Leuenberger against Fremantle’s ruck pairing of Zac Clarke and Jack Hannath.

Although he’s probably under-sized for a ruckman at 196cm, McKeever’s competitive instincts and ability to cover the ground could prove beneficial on the vast surrounds of Patersons Stadium.

The Irishman also adds some flexibility given he can play both as a key defender and forward as required.

Fremantle’s Ryan Crowley, who celebrates his 150th game this weekend, is one of the premier taggers in the competition and will be given the task of minding the Lions’ most dangerous midfielder.

But exactly who Crowley runs with won’t be known until match-day. Chances are that he will shadow one of Daniel Rich, Simon Black or even playmaker Pearce Hanley. 
 
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Rohan Bewick has been one of the Lions’ most productive forwards in 2013, having directly contributed to more scores than any other player so far this season.

Recruited from West Perth, Bewick is no stranger to playing at Subiaco and should relish the open spaces that it provides.

His lead-up role will be critically important considering Fremantle implement a near impenetrable forward press, which makes it very difficult for their opposition to score.

Like Bewick, Fremantle’s Chris Mayne often slips under the radar but is clearly one of his side’s most important players.

Mayne has kicked 18 goals so far this season, and also averages a career-best 15.5 disposals and six marks.

At 188cm, he proves a difficult match-up as he is both strong overhead and dangerous at ground level.

MISSING IN ACTION
Four big name inclusions have helped the Lions get closer to full-strength, with suspended pair Jonathan Brown and Daniel Merrett the most notable absentees from the senior side.

Brent Moloney will also prove a big loss; particularly given there will probably be a high number of stoppages on Saturday – and that’s where he does his best work.

Fremantle’s are also without some key players, with Captain Matthew Pavlich and giant ruckman Aaron Sandilands still recovering from long-term injuries.

The Dockers’ leading goal-kicker this season, Michael Walters, will also spend at least another week on the sidelines with an ankle complaint.

RECENT HISTORY
The Lions have lost their last four encounters with Fremantle by an average margin of 16 points.

In fact, the past six meetings between these two sides have been decided by less than five goals.

However, of most concern is the fact the Lions could muster only 5.5 from an AFL record-low 20 inside 50s during their last match against Fremantle.