SUMMARY
Fremantle's win over Essendon last weekend lifted it off the bottom of the table on percentage, while the Lions' loss to Carlton, their seventh straight, sees them in a similar position to Freo and the Bombers. Aside from a horror loss to Collingwood, the Lions have proved to be much stiffer opposition on their home deck, pushing North Melbourne, Sydney Swans and Hawthorn, along with beating the then undefeated Gold Coast. Fremantle still has plenty of class in their team with David Mundy, Lachie Neale, Hayden Ballantyne and Michael Walters, but the Lions' effort the past few weeks has been much improved.
Head to head
WHERE AND WHEN: The Gabba, Saturday 11 June, 4.35pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
HBF Injury Update: Apeness latest
LAST FIVE TIMES
R14, 2015, Fremantle 13.6 (84) d Brisbane Lions 7.6 (48) at Domain Stadium
R22, 2014, Fremantle 15.16 (106) d Brisbane Lions 6.12 (48) at the Gabba
R14, 2014, Fremantle 15.15 (105) d Brisbane Lions 3.4 (22) at Domain Stadium
R12, 2013, Fremantle 12.14 (86) d Brisbane Lions 6.10 (46) at Domain Stadium
R3, 2012, Fremantle 8.16 (54) d Brisbane Lions 5.5 (35) at Domain Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The last time these teams played, Fremantle led by three points at the final change before storming home with seven goals to one in the last term. Michael Walters and Matthew Pavlich kicked seven majors between them.
2. No team handballs less than the Lions, ranked 18th with 148.6 a game. They’re also ranked last for kicks, uncontested possessions and marks.
3. Fremantle has dominated the Lions in recent seasons, winning the past eight matches. The Lions have been held to seven goals or less in each of the last five contests.
4. Last week against Essendon Fremantle kicked 20.6 (126), their highest score this season and their highest score against any opposition since round 17, 2014.
5. Fremantle will be looking for consecutive wins for the first time since rounds 18-19 in 2015.
6. With his 42 disposals last week, Fremantle midfielder Lachie Neale continued his climb up the Schick AFL Player Ratings, now up to a career-high 63rd overall.
