SUMMARY
Nat Fyfe's suspension looms large over this clash. The superstar Fremantle skipper was rubbed out for one week after his Tribunal challenge for striking Levi Greenwood failed, leaving Fremantle with a tough task to overcome Adelaide. Fyfe, the former Brownlow Medal favourite, has been outstanding at Optus Stadium, and probably polled top votes in the club's four home triumphs. There is still a cloud hanging over Freo's giant ruckman Aaron Sandilands after his concussion, but the Crows also have key players, including Taylor Walker, Rory Sloane and Mitch McGovern, on the sidelines. Adelaide desperately needs to claim the four points after sliding out of the top eight following losses in three of the past four matches.
WHERE AND WHEN: Optus Stadium, Sunday, June 10, 2.40pm AWST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R10, 2017, Adelaide 20.23 (143) d Fremantle 6.7 (43) at Adelaide Oval
R21, 2016, Adelaide 21.16 (142) d Fremantle 11.4 (70) at Subiaco Oval
R6, 2016, Adelaide 14.13 (97) d Fremantle 8.16 (64) at Adelaide Oval
R9, 2015, Fremantle 10.8 (68) d Adelaide 7.15 (57) at Adelaide Oval
R12, 2014, Fremantle 12.18 (90) d Adelaide 7.8 (50) at Subiaco Oval
THE FIVE POINTS
1. Adelaide’s scoring power has taken a hit this year amid a raft of injuries. The Crows were the AFL's most damaging team in 2017 – averaging 107 points – but they're sixth this year with 88 points. Over the past three games that number has fallen to only 66 points.
2. The Crows have won the past three clashes between the sides, ending Freo's run of four straight wins. In the past two games, Adelaide has kicked a combined 41 goals to 17.
3. Without skipper Taylor Walker and Mitch McGovern for chunks of the season, the Crows have struggled to mark the ball inside 50, averaging 9.1 (AFL No.16). The Dockers are only marginally better, averaging 10.1 (14th).
4. Fremantle will hope home comforts help them keep the scoreboard ticking over. At Optus Stadium, they've averaged 89 points compared to just 54 in five losses interstate.
5. Fremantle veteran David Mundy continues to play at a high standard approaching his 33rd birthday, averaging 22 disposals and booting 10 goals this year to climb 17 spots to 52nd overall in the Schick AFL Player Ratings.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Cam McCarthy. It wouldn't be the AFL's easiest gig being the main man inside Fremantle's forward 50 but Fremantle desperately need a lift up front.
