SUMMARY
Fremantle are coming off the back of two disappointing losses and will be looking to end the season on a winning note. Essendon can seal its return to the finals with a win over Fremantle on Sunday, making it the first time since 2014 that the Bombers have tasted September action.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday 27 August, 1.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R7, 2017, Fremantle Dockers 17.14 (116) d Essendon 11.13 (79) at Domain Stadium
R11, 2016, Fremantle Dockers 20.6 (126) d Essendon 6.11 (47) at Domain Stadium
R6, 2015, Fremantle Dockers 12.8 (80) d Essendon 7.10 (52) at Domain Stadium
R4, 2014, Fremantle Dockers 18.5 (113) d Essendon 9.6 (60) at Domain Stadium
R3, 2013, Essendon 10.12 (72) d Fremantle Dockers 9.14 (68) at Domain Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. It will be a contest between one of the highest scoring sides this season and the lowest. The Bombers are ranked fourth for total points this year, averaging 96 points a game, while the Fremantle Dockers are managing 72 points a game.
2. Fremantle has dominated Essendon recently, winning the past four matches and seven of the past nine contests. Essendon's last win over Fremantle was their emotion-charged win in round three, 2013 at Domain Stadium.
3. Essendon continue to record low numbers of clearances. They have won the fewest clearances of any side this season.
4. These sides playing in Melbourne has become something of a rarity. The last time they met in Victoria was in round two, 2010, with every clash since then being played at Domain Stadium.
5. Last week against Gold Coast was Essendon's best inside-50 performance of the season, registering 71 entries and restricting the Suns to just 31.
6. Electric small forward Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti's form this year has been reflected in the Shick Official AFL Player Ratings, with the speedy Bomber now rated the 87th best player in the competition. He started the year ranked 288th.
