The Numbers Game

324 – Sunday will mark the third meeting in less than a year (324 days) between Freo and North Melbourne, a rarity for teams that didn’t face each other in the finals. 

198 – Freo’s combined score in two games against North Melbourne in 2015.

194 – Three players (Waite, Petrie, Goldstein) over 194cm combined for 11 goals in North Melbourne’s round three win over Melbourne.  

100 – Goal kicking efficiency for Michael Walters against North Melbourne, he’s kicked 11 goals and 0 behinds for his career against the Kangaroos.

9 – Players in Freo history also played an AFL game for North Melbourne at some point in their career.

6 – Only met six times at Etihad Stadium since 1995.

3 – It’s been an even rivalry, as neither team has won three in a row over the other since 2002.

2 – Awards won by Winston Abraham when playing for both clubs. He won the 1996 Goal of the Year while playing for Fremantle and the 1998 Mark of the Year playing for North Melbourne. 

Lachie Weller's mindset 

Last time we met

Freo (12.11.83) def by North Melbourne (14.10.94) in round 21, 2015  

Lachie Neale continued his good form against North Melbourne, collecting 29 touches and eight clearances. Earlier in 2015, he had 34 touches and a goal against the Kangaroos. 

Aaron Sandilands had the better of Todd Goldstein. The Freo big man had 43 hit outs on the day but will miss this week’s clash due to a rib injury. 

Stephen Hill was an attacking weapon, the smooth runner finished with 23 disposals, six inside 50s and a goal. 

Nat Fyfe finished with 21 touches and a goal, but would have preferred to use his feet more, with 15 of his disposals coming by way of handball. 

Match Preview v North Melbourne 

Pocket Dynamos

Three of the smaller players on the field on Sunday have had the biggest impacts in Freo and North Melbourne’s recent contests.

Lachie Neale (176cm) averages 28 disposals against North Melbourne, while Michael Walters (177cm) has kicked 11 goals with no behinds for his career against the Kangaroos.

Brent Harvey (177cm) is coming off a career high six goal haul in round three and has also played well against Freo in recent years, the 412-gamer kicking four goals in last year’s round 21 clash.

Statistical similarities

Although the 2016 season has started in different fashion for both Fremantle and North Melbourne, last year’s seasonal statistics paint a picture of very similar teams that emphasised first use, contested possessions and tackling pressure.