SUMMARY
Just a few weeks ago a rejuvenated Collingwood was a game outside the top eight, while reigning minor premier Fremantle had slumped to 0-10. Since then, their respective fortunes have reversed, with the injury-plagued Pies losing three in a row and the Freo Dockers winning each of their past three games. A Freo win at the MCG will lift them above Collingwood on percentage. The Pies haven't beaten Fremantle since 2012, failing to score more than 73 points in their three subsequent clashes, but haven't lost to Freo at the MCG for 10 years. However, the Freo Dockers have won their past three games at the ground and their hopes of victory in their only game there for the season could hinge on the fitness of veteran Matthew Pavlich.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Friday 24 June, 7.50pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
Freo making the most of adversity
LAST FIVE TIMES
R13, 2015, Fremantle Dockers 12.8 (80) d Collingwood 11.7 (73) at Domain Stadium
R1, 2014, Fremantle Dockers 17.14 (116) d Collingwood 5.16 (46) at Etihad Stadium
R7, 2013, Fremantle Dockers 15.10 (100) d Collingwood 10.13 (73) at Domain Stadium
R14, 2012, Collingwood 15.17 (107) d Fremantle Dockers 12.6 (78) at the MCG
R23, 2011, Collingwood 20.12 (132) d Fremantle Dockers 8.4 (52) at Domain Stadium
Head to head
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Freo Dockers will be searching for four consecutive wins for the first time since rounds 16-19 past season. In the last three weeks they've tallied 55 goals to 24 from their opponents.
2. Both sides have struggled to take the ball inside 50 this season – Collingwood is 12th, averaging 50.5, and is 15th for marks inside 50, while Freo is 14th for inside 50s and equal-last for marks inside 50.
3. Collingwood has dominated Fremantle at the MCG, winning six of their eight contests. The Pies have won the past four and Fremantle haven't beaten them at the venue since round 15, 2006.
4. Collingwood and Fremantle meet for the 27th time and the Magpies hold a 15-11 advantage. But the Freo Dockers have won the past three – their equal-longest winning sequence against the Pies.
5. Reigning Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe was the difference between the sides the last time they met, with 32 disposals and two goals, while Aaron Sandilands dominated the ruck with 50 hit-outs and 17 disposals – all handballs. However, both are sidelined with injury.
6. By virtue of his career-best 43 possessions (20 contested) in Freo's win over Port Adelaide, midfielder Michael Barlow has leapt from No.157 to No.136 in the Schick AFL Player Ratings
