Western Bulldogs v Fremantle
Sunday 17 May, 2015
1:10pm, Etihad Stadium
Sitting undefeated atop the AFL ladder after six rounds, Fremantle have to date been the standout side of the competition.
The tap work of ruckman Aaron Sandilands has allowed his midfielders first use of the football each week, and the Fremantle midfield have dominated as a result.
Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said after the Club’s 28-point win against Essendon last week, that turning the ball over in their forward line had been a key focus.
“The last few weeks we focused on turning the ball.
“We’ve really lifted in that over the last couple of weeks.”
Leading the competition for disposal efficiency, and second for overall disposals, winning the ball in the middle of the ground will be the key if the Dogs are to have a chance against the Dockers, who have punished teams in this area in the opening six rounds.
Fremantle Key Stats
- #1 in league for disposal efficiency (78.7 per cent)
- #1 in league for marks (667)
- #1 in league for contested marks (82)
- #2 in league for disposals (2312)
- #2 in league for hit outs (320)
Players to Watch
Nat Fyfe
The dominant player in the league, in the dominant team in the league, Fyfe’s start to the season has been huge. He leads the competition for contested possessions and marks, is second for disposals and third for centre clearances. He sits atop the AFLCA Player of the Year award and has so far been the standout player of 2015. Stopping the 23-year-old seems an impossible task, but the Dogs will be focused on curbing his influence on Sunday afternoon.
Aaron Sandilands
The Dockers have been immense out of the midfield in the first six rounds, largely thanks to Sandilands’ ruck work and flexibility around the ground. Fifth in the competition for hit outs and third for contested marks, the Dogs’ use of a third man up to limit Sandilands’ influence will be pivotal this weekend.
Head to Head
Western Bulldogs 14
Fremantle 11
Last time we met
Fremantle 13.11 (89) defeated Western Bulldogs 6.15 (51) at Etihad Stadium, round 11 2014.
Fremantle’s last three games
R6 2015 – Fremantle 12.8 (80) defeated Essendon 7.10 (52)
R5 2015 – Fremantle 18.10 (118) defeated Melbourne 6.14 (50)
R4 2015 – Fremantle 11.8 (74) defeated Sydney Swans 8.12 (60)
