SUMMARY
Fremantle is clinging to eighth spot after two straight losses and makes the longest trip in the competition to take on the Brisbane Lions. When the teams met 12 months ago, the Dockers won in a canter, and based on form across the first half of the season, should win again this time. But the Lions are rested following the bye, and Fremantle has lost successive matches to Adelaide and Collingwood to put the brakes on their promising season. The midfield match-up is intriguing with Nat Fyfe, Lachie Neale and Brad Hill up against Dayne Beams, Dayne Zorko and Tom Rockliff, who should return to the fold after missing a few weeks with a dislocated shoulder. That's where both teams are strongest and where this match should be won. The Dockers are deserving favourites, but a Lions upset wouldn't totally surprise.
WHERE AND WHEN: The Gabba, Saturday, June 10, 4.35pm AEST
LAST FIVE TIMES
R12, 2016, Fremantle 23.9 (147) d Brisbane Lions 9.10 (64) at the Gabba
R14, 2015, Fremantle 13.6 (84) d Brisbane Lions 7.6 (48) at Domain Stadium
R22, 2014, Fremantle 15.16 (106) d Brisbane Lions 6.12 (48) at the Gabba
R14, 2014, Fremantle 15.15 (105) d Brisbane Lions 3.4 (22) at Domain Stadium
R12, 2013, Fremantle 12.14 (86) d Brisbane Lions 6.10 (46) at Domain Stadium
THE FOUR POINTS
1. Despite sitting in the top eight, the Dockers' scoring issues have continued, averaging just 77 points a game. They’ve failed to reach 100 points in nine of their 11 games. The Lions average 78 points a game.
2. Fremantle has dominated the Lions recently, winning the past nine matches. The Lions' most recent victory was in round 16, 2009.
3. The Lions have won 11 quarters this season, but only once have they won the fourth quarter. The Dockers have won 18 quarters and been a strong finishing team, winning seven third terms and six final quarters.
4. The Lions have been on the right side of the umpires' whistles this season, winning 20.9 free kicks a game – first in the AFL. The Dockers are mid-table, winning just 18.5.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Dan McStay
Dan McStay will play his 50th game for the Lions against Fremantle on Saturday and the versatile swingman will have a big role to play regardless of which end of the field he is stationed. McStay was solid against Collingwood in the Lions last outing, collecting 10 disposals and taking five marks. Look out for a big game on Saturday from McStay as he looks to celebrate his half-century of AFL games.
