SUMMARY
Fremantle is coming off a disappointing loss to Brisbane and despite being without two of its stars, they will be looking to regroup for Stephen Hill’s 200th game with Lachie Neale and Michael Walters likely to lead the way. With Nat Fyfe (hamstring) and Aaron Sandilands (calf) out, it will give youngsters such as Andrew Brayshaw and Adam Cerra more midfield time, which will only benefit the two top prospects in the long run. 

Melbourne's season has started to unravel after such a promising start and it will be desperately seeking a win against an injury-hit Fremantle in Darwin. The Demons have lost three games in a row and are in danger of missing the eight should their poor form continue. The Demons' task will be made easier with Nat Fyfe (hamstring) and Aaron Sandilands (calf) both sidelined by injury.

WHERE AND WHEN: TIO Stadium (Darwin), Saturday, July 7, 7.10pm ACST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide

LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R4, 2017, Fremantle 16.10 (106) d Melbourne 15.14 (104) at the MCG
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 Subiaco Oval
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

THE SIX POINTS

  1. Melbourne continues to be the highest-scoring side this season, kicking an average score of 104 points per game. The Demons are a long way ahead of the Dockers who are ranked 14thand managing only 74 points.
  2. Fremantle has dominated Melbourne recently, winning eight of the past nine contests including seven consecutive wins in 2012-15.
  3. Melbourne has played eight times previously at TIO Stadium for three wins, including a win over Fremantle in 2016. Fremantle have played three times in Darwin for one win.
  4. The Demons are the No.1 team this season for hit-outs thanks to Max Gawn, the highest-ranked player for hit-outs in the competition (659 total).
  5. The Demons are ranked first for inside 50s and marks inside 50. Fremantle is 14th for marks inside 50 and 15th for inside 50s.
  6. Fremantle will be without its two top-ranked players in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, Nat Fyfe and Aaron Sandilands, who have been ruled out with injury.

IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR…
Max Gawn was outstanding against St Kilda despite the Demons' shock loss and minus Aaron Sandilands he should again be the dominant big man on the ground. Gawn's role in taking this game by the scruff of the neck will be crucial for the Demons as they look to regain form and if the bearded ruckman does excel it's difficult to see the Demons losing this game.