Week off:
After a bruising year of football, a week’s rest mid-finals is a God-send. Fremantle secured a home Preliminary Final with Saturday’s win, just the second time it has ever done so. It gives the side’s experienced veterans such as Michael Johnson, Matthew Pavlich and Aaron Sandilands time to freshen up.

Prelim final ticketing info

Dynamic duo:
Hayden Ballantyne and his partner in crime Michael Walters were the two best forwards for Fremantle. The pair booted three goals each. Ballantyne was particularly on-song in the first half despite having not played since round 16 due to a pectoral injury. Walters was again reliable in front of the goals and pushed up the ground to have 21 touches.

Hit-outs:
Fremantle’s ruckman Aaron Sandilands was dominant in the middle with 43 hit outs. Fremantle won the hit-out count 60 to 27. His touch gave Freo’s midfield first-use on plenty of occasions. He also took several key marks in defence.

Walters' dream start

Fyfe:
The star midfielder returned after a two-week absence due to a leg injury in scintillating fashion. He had 32 touches with eight clearances, showing why he is considered the AFL’s best player. His burst from the middle setup plenty of Freo surges.