No one gets the home ground advantage when the game is in Darwin!
Fremantle Dockers and Melbourne both fly away from this week to play at TIO Stadium in Darwin. Freo come off a bye week so will be well rested. Even though Melbourne comes off a 22 point loss to Adelaide, the Demons fought hard last week and really gave Adelaide a run for their money.
Docker Michael Barlow has put his hand up to play, after what seems to be a super recovery from recent surgery on a fractured finger. It was estimated that he could miss up to 4 weeks however, Ross Lyon won’t necessarily be ruling him out this week. Barlow has been in FINE form lately, producing his career best game in round 13 against Port Adelaide, finishing on 43 disposals and 2 goals. I am keen to see him get back out there ASAP.
The Dockers were having a good run recently, winning three games in a row, before enduring a 48 point loss to the Pies in the week before the bye. In all seriousness, I don’t think anyone was expecting Fremantle to just snap out of their funk after a couple of wins and then not lose another game for the season. It is a shame that it was Collingwood who brought the young Freo side back down to earth though…
Melbourne has been on the rise in terms of match winning performances, even though they only have 6 wins to show for it so far this season. I have no doubt that will continue to improve this season and they will come out firing on Saturday to try and lock in that 7th win. Fremantle Dockers haven’t lost to the Demons since mid – 2011 and will be looking to continue that record on.
Freo’s Lachie Neale has recently inked a new 3 year contract extension which is a huge signing for the Dockers in their plan to re-build. Neale is a possession grabbing machine and always positions himself well around the ball and gets involved in a lot of the play. Having him in the midfield, along with Nat Fyfe when he returns, and maybe a fresh face like Connor Blakely or Lachie Weller (or both!) will really strengthen Freo’s ball movement around the ground. I think Neale is going to play a big part in Saturdays clash with the Demons.
I am hoping Freo will bounce back from their recent loss to the Pies and will come out on Saturday with fire in their bellies. I am tipping Fremantle Dockers to beat Melbourne by 19 points.
Let us know your #AFLDeesDockers predictions at @TweetPerth @EmmaLianaPayne
