Sunday’s match-up between Fremantle and Carlton at Domain Stadium provides both clubs with an opportunity to kick-start their seasons.
With both sides still winless heading into round five, we’re likely to see a fierce battle.
Freo's story against Carlton
The clash pits the league’s second most experienced side against the competition's third least, with Freo holding an advantage of 22 games per player over the Blues.
Freo’s disposal efficiency of 71 percent is below what they’d be aiming for and, when compared with Carlton’s 75 per cent.
The upside to these numbers is that Fremantle is just under the league average of 74 percent.
Despite fielding a very raw forward line, the Blues are averaging 11 marks inside 50 so far in 2016 – only one behind the league average of 12.
Levi Casboult is averaging two-and-a-half marks inside 50 – equal with the likes of Nick Riewoldt, Kurt Tippett and Drew Petrie – and presents a real challenge for Freo’s defence.
Zac Dawson has started the year well, averaging 10 spoils and smothers each time he’s taken the field, and will link up with Michael Johnson and Alex Pearce to subdue the Blues attacking forays.
Jon Griffin and Zac Clarke will be battling against the Carlton ruck pair Matthew Kreuzer and Andrew Phillips, who have been averaging 40 hitouts between them in the first four rounds.
Their tandem rucking has helped the clearance work of Patrick Cripps, with the rising midfield star working his way to the top of the clearance and contested possession lists.
Cripps has averaged almost nine clearances and 15 contested possessions in 2016.
Talking points: Round 5 v Carlton
Nat Fyfe will need to earn every one of his average 26 disposals, 16 contested possessions, three contested marks, and two goals on Sunday.
The Brownlow medallist is slightly down on his career-best numbers of 2015.
