Fremantle have named a near full strength side to face the Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium this afternoon.

Aaron Sandliands, Michael Johnson and Harley Bennell are notable absentees but Matthew Pavlich and Nat Fyfe have both been named, despite being on limited training on earlier in the week.

Zac Clark and Jonathan Griffin will share ruck duties in the absence of Sandliands.

Stats Box

-          Points against 71.1, 2nd in the AFL

-          Points against from clearances 21.7, 1st in the AFL

-          % Score from centre bounce 5.9, 1st in the AFL.

Talking Heads

- David Mundy on Western Bulldogs midfield:

“They are very skilled; we’re going to have to be on guard.”

- The Dockers are undefeated in round one during Ross Lyon’s reign:

“I wish it counted, I wish we could take all those victories, but it’s irrelevant,” he said.

“We’ve done the work, Bulldogs think they’ve done the work, and it’s going to come down to whoever takes their opportunities.”

- Defensive coach Michael Prior on the Bulldog defence.

“If you look at their half backs, the likes of (Robert) Murphy, (Jason) Johannisen, handball receives and running out of the back line is a real key to their game,” Prior said.

“Our small forwards are going to really need to put the pressure on, lock them in as well as chase when they do get out.

“It’s a big challenge.”


Last time we met

Round 7, 17 May, 2015 Western Bulldogs defeated by Fremantle, 88-101