It feels great to be a Dockers supporter right now! (That’s the first time I have been able to say that in a while…)
The Fremantle Dockers come into this week after a thrilling two-point victory over Melbourne Demons at the MCG in the last round, with Cam McCarthy kicking an unbelievable goal to seal the win for Freo in the final minute of the game. I apologise to my neighbours, things got rather loud at my place as I watched the game, yelling at my TV and almost having several panic attacks. Ahhh footy, that’s why we love it!
Fremantle fought hard to produce an incredible turnaround; they trailed the Dees by 27 points late in the first half then kicked eight unanswered goals and managed to hold on to the lead in the dying seconds of the game. This was the Dockers second consecutive win and they will be looking to keep that winning streak going, especially in front of their home crowd on Saturday against the Kangaroos.
North Melbourne are winless so far this season and will come to Domain Stadium on Saturday desperate to get their first four points on the board. They have included Mason Wood and debutant Ed Vickers-Willis into their line-up this week, with Braydon Preuss being rested and Nathan Hrovat being omitted. The Dockers have just one change, Darcy Tucker coming in for Harley Balic, who is out with a hip injury.
I have been impressed with Freo’s David Mundy and his contribution in the last couple of weeks. Coach Ross Lyon has pushed Mundy up forward and he has been very reliable in front of goal. In the last two games he has kicked 5.1 and has been a great additional option for the midfield to look for inside Freo’s attacking 50.
Brownlow medallist and Dockers captain Nat Fyfe has shown the footy world that he means business this season. He has been a stand out for Freo, taking some incredibly courageous marks and really shining in his new leadership role. Check out one of Fyfe’s epic marks from last week below!
Going back with courage like… #foreverfreo #AFLDeesFreo pic.twitter.com/P9Zyi1LLdg
— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) April 15, 2017
The new-look Fremantle Dockers team has a great energy surrounding them at the moment and with each game the younger and newer players are gaining confidence and game experience. Fremantle is not known for their ‘come from behind’ wins; in the past they have instead been known to drop their heads if they are behind and really fade away in the final quarter. It was great to see Freo dig deep in the second half against the Dees to steal back the lead and get the much deserved win.
Freo look to be the favourites coming into this game and I will (of course) back them in to add another four points to their season tally. I am tipping Fremantle Dockers to beat North Melbourne by 25 points!
Let us know your #AFLFreoNorth predictions at @TweetPerth @EmmaPaynes
