SUMMARY
The scenario was almost unthinkable at the start of the season – Fremantle on the verge of 0-10. St Kilda can make it a reality and should be confident after a strong win against Essendon last start. Nick Riewoldt is in brilliant form and will make life difficult for Dockers coach Ross Lyon, but perhaps of even more concern is the Saints' potent forward line. Josh Bruce booted five goals against the Bombers, while Tim Membrey and Paddy McCartin were also among the better players. With Docker defenders Michael Johnson, Alex Pearce and Alex Silvagni all injured, Fremantle might struggle to contain St Kilda's firepower. If Lyon is to engineer a victory, Lachie Neale and his fellow midfielders will need to give their team the upper hand.
Brothers Mav and Lachie Weller will clash again on Saturday. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, May 28, 4.35pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R19, 2015, Fremantle 15.6 (96) d St Kilda 8.11 (59) at Etihad Stadium
R18, 2014, St Kilda 17.16 (118) d Fremantle 9.6 (60) at Etihad Stadium
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 Domain Stadium
R4, 2012, Fremantle 14.8 (92) d St Kilda 11.13 (79) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Dockers' midfield was the difference last time these sides played. Lachie Neale had 36 disposals, David Mundy 33 and Stephen Hill 29.
2. St Kilda will be aiming for consecutive wins for the first time since the first two rounds of 2014. Fremantle has lost its past 10 games, which has not happened since the first half of 2001.
3. St Kilda and Fremantle meet for the 32nd time. The Saints hold a narrow advantage, winning 17 games to 14. Under Ross Lyon though, the Dockers have won three of five clashes.
4. Fremantle is the worst side this season for taking the ball inside 50, averaging only 45.2 entries per game. St Kilda is ranked 11th, with 51.6 per game.
5. In the Saints' favour is their record against Fremantle at Etihad Stadium. Of the 10 matches between the two clubs at the ground, St Kilda has eight wins.
6. Saints midfielder Seb Ross was the competition's third-highest scorer in the Schick AFL Player Ratings last week, with 27.2 points.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR… Maverick Weller. The Saint has played against his brother Lachie on an AFL field only once, and the Dockers won that encounter. Mav will be keen to reverse the outcome.
PREDICTION: St Kilda by 22 points.
