Fremantle have rolled into the top two after eight consecutive wins, beating GWS by 76 points in round 17. Ross Lyon's men continue to absorb any personnel issues and build towards their best football. They’ll be without the suspended Hayden Ballantyne this week, and it will be interesting to see how Anthony Morabito is managed in his third game back, after starting as the substitute the past two weeks. St Kilda's losing streak extended to 11 games with a 59-point loss to North Melbourne last Saturday, with the team's inexperience telling. After announcing his retirement on Tuesday, Lenny Hayes can expect an extended farewell from his adoring fans starting this weekend.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday 19 July, 4.40pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R23, 2013, St Kilda 16.16 (112) d Fremantle 6.5 (41) at Etihad Stadium
R15, 2013, Fremantle 15.10 (100) d St Kilda 11.4 (70) at Patersons Stadium
R4, 2012, Fremantle 14.8 (92) d St Kilda 11.13 (79) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2011, St Kilda 16.17 (113) d Fremantle 10.12 (72) at Etihad Stadium
R10, 2011, St Kilda 15.12 (102) d Fremantle 7.14 (56) at Patersons Stadium
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THE SIX POINTS
1. In the Saints' thrashing of the Freo the last time the sides met, Fremantle left out a number of stars to prepare for the finals, including Nat Fyfe, David Mundy, Hayden Ballantyne, Stephen Hill, Luke McPharlin and Michael Walters.
2.St Kilda has now lost 11 consecutive matches since round six, kicking an average score of only 59 points compared to their opposition’s 122 for an average losing margin of 63 points.
3. The Saints continue to struggle in contested possessions, ranked 17th with an average of 126.9 a game. Fremantle are ranked third with an average of 146.7 a game.
4. St Kilda has dominated Fremantle at Etihad Stadium, winning seven games to one. Freo's only win at the venue was in round four, 2012.
5. Fremantle has won eight straight matches since round nine and defence has again been the key, keeping its opposition to an average of only 55 points per game.
6. Fremantle star Nat Fyfe has been on a constant climb in the Official AFL Player Ratings, brought to you by Gatorade, moving from No.76 overall in round four to now sit at No.14. He has averaged just 6.1 points against the Saints, however, his lowest against any opponent.
