Fremantle play their first interstate game of 2017 when they take on Port Adelaide on Sunday at Adelaide Oval.
Port Adelaide lead the head-to-head 17–15 from 32 games, with Fremantle winning three of the past five, including a 17-point win over the Power in round 13 of the 2016 season at Domain Stadium.
Danyle Pearce’s 250th
It’s fitting that Danyle Pearce, a former Port Adelaide player, will play his 250th AFL game against his old side. Pearce has averaged just under 21 games a season in his 12 years in the AFL, playing 154 games for Port from 2005 to 2012 and 95 games for Fremantle since his arrival in 2013.
Different starts
While Fremantle were disappointed to start their season on the back foot with a 42-point loss to Geelong, Port Adelaide played out the first upset of the 2017 season with a 28-point win away to Sydney.
Midfield battle
Both teams come into Sunday’s game with their midfields humming. Fremantle and Port Adelaide led the league with 49 clearances each, with Aaron Sandilands and David Mundy contributing nine each to Freo’s total and Ollie Wines racking up 10 for Port Adelaide.
Ball use
While both midfields were able to win the ball effectively, it was the use of the ball that tipped the scales for both sides. Port Adelaide conceded just 6.7 (43) from 72 turnovers in their win, while Fremantle gave away 10.4 (64) from 64 turnovers.
Forward push
Cam McCarthy’s brilliant fourth quarter snap aside, Fremantle’s forward line will be looking to improve against the Power.
Senior coach Ross Lyon has some options to bring into the final 22 announced on Friday, going tall with Matthew Taberner, who kicked five goals in the WAFL over the weekend – or small with Tommy Sheridan, who is a versatile option that could fill the role left by the injured Hayden Ballantyne.
