SUMMARY
Inaccuracy cost the Demons last week against Geelong and they will be looking to rectify that against Fremantle. Melbourne will be without Max Gawn, with the big ruckman to miss up to three months following hamstring surgery. The ruck task will be made more difficult for likely call-up Jake Spencer, with leading Freo Dockers big man Aaron Sandilands peering at him across the other side of the centre circle. Fremantle caused an early contender for upset of the season last weekend, after Ross Lyon's youthful team defeated last year's premiers, the Western Bulldogs.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday 15 April, 1.45pm EST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
PAST FIVE TIMES
R16, 2016, Melbourne 12.15 (87) d Fremantle 8.7 (55) at TIO Stadium
R22, 2015, Fremantle 17.6 (108) d Melbourne 8.6 (54) at Domain Stadium
R5, 2015, Fremantle 18.10 (118) d Melbourne 6.14 (50) at the MCG
R16, 2014, Fremantle 15.7 (97) d Melbourne 4.10 (34) at TIO Stadium
R21, 2013, Fremantle 20.13 (133) d Melbourne 5.8 (38) at the MCG
THE FIVE POINTS
1. Melbourne’s midfield dominated when these teams last played. Nathan Jones was best on ground with 35 disposals and seven clearances ahead of seven teammates who had 25 or more disposals.
2. The Demons have taken more marks than any other side so far in 2017, averaging 118.7, however their contested marking has been down, ranked 17th in the AFL.
3. The Demons' win over Freo in 2016 ended the Freo Dockers' recent dominance of seven consecutive victories from 2012-2015.
4. Fremantle is ranked 17th for points per game with 72. They haven’t kicked 100 points in a game since round 12 last season.
5. Three Demons – Jayden Hunt, Alex Neal-Bullen and Jack Watts – were all named in the Schick AFL Player Ratings' Team of the Week for round three.
