Read about some of the key stats and stories heading into Sunday’s clash with Brisbane at Optus Stadium.
Ladder
Fremantle: 6-7, 88.7% (13th)
Brisbane: 1-12, 78.4% (17th)
Road work ahead
Fremantle broke their duck on the road against Carlton and now Brisbane is looking to do the same. The Lions are yet to win interstate this season from six attempts with an average margin of 37.5 in these games.
When the Lions are on, they’re on
It’s easy to look at Brisbane’s win-loss record and expect to bank the four points, however the Lions have proven to be more than a formidable opponent a number of times this season.
Brisbane pushed the Power to the limit in a five-point loss at Adelaide Oval and their lone win was a boilover, thrashing Hawthorn by 56 points at the Gabba in round nine.
When Freo and Brisbane met in round 11, 2017, Fremantle were in the top eight with a 6-5 record and again playing a Brisbane team with only one win. The result was a 57-point loss as the Lions outclassed Freo in all aspects on the day.
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Danger Daynes
When Brisbane defeated Fremantle in 2017, Ross Lyon said Freo’s midfield was ‘obliterated’ by the Lions. This was orchestrated off the back of stellar performances from Dayne Beams (36 disposals, eight tackles, one goal) and Dayne Zorko (30 disposals, five tackles, two goals).
Conversely, Nat Fyfe was kept to 18 disposals although, it was later revealed that the midfielder was carrying a sternum injury and was wearing a protective vest under his jumper.
Hodge turns back the clock
Brisbane’s Luke Hodge played one of his vintage best games last week against GWS. The former Hawk racked up 30 disposals at 93.3 per cent disposal efficiency, took 11 marks and 511 metres gained. Hodge’s stellar performance came with Brisbane’s defence rocked from the loss of star defender Harris Andrews early in the game due to concussion. Andrews is expected to miss at least two weeks of football and Hodge will once again need to step up and lead the Brisbane backs.
Bye blues
It’s a danger game for Freo with six AFL teams already losing coming off the bye this season. The key for Fremantle will be to avoid a slow start, which can often happen after a long break.
In a good sign for Freo, they’ve won nine of 13 first terms this season while Brisbane is yet to win an opening quarter.
Best for last
Brisbane plays their best footy in the final term, winning seven of their 13 final quarters this season while Fremantle has won just three of their final terms.
Almost full strength
In his weekly media conference on Friday, senior coach Ross Lyon said he would have some selection headaches caused by Freo’s recent good form. Fremantle’s past two wins have come without many of their star players on the field. Against Adelaide, Freo prevailed without Nat Fyfe (suspended) and Aaron Sandilands (concussion). Against Carlton it was without Michael Walters (suspended) and Alex Pearce (broken thumb). This week Fremantle will have all four in the lineup, however they are still missing the likes of Bradley Hill, Matt Taberner, Connor Blakely and Harley Bennell missing from their best 22.