Expert
Two of the AFL’s most defensively-minded teams go head to head today when the Melbourne Demons host the Fremantle Dockers at the MCG. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 1.10pm AEST.
Here’s Melbourne’s last four scores against Fremantle: 5.10.40 (Round 23, 2012), 6.4.40 (Round 9, 2013), 5.8.38 (Round 21, 2013) and 4.10.34 (Round 16, 2014).
It doesn’t make for pretty reading. In fact, it’s pretty much the opposite of pretty reading.
Demons fans have gotten used to the struggle over the last few years no doubt, but games against the Dockers have no doubt been especially draining.
At the moment, Fremantle are flying. They’re on top of the ladder, and they’re the only team in the competition left undefeated four rounds into the year. That’s pretty impressive when you consider their first month fixture: Port Adelaide, Geelong, West Coast and Sydney.
That’s three of last year’s top six and a local derby, not an easy stretch by any measure.
Melbourne, well, they’re not flying, but they’re experiencing some good positive feeling. They’ve got two wins from their first four, the most recent a 31-point upset over Richmond last Friday night. They’re in good spirits, and deservedly so.
Still, it’s hard to see the Demons getting up this week. While they’ll hopefully deliver a more competitive effort than they have in the last few meetings between these two sides, the gaps in experience, skills and talent between these two teams are still fairly wide.
The Demons have recalled former captain Jack Grimes for his first game of the year after losing Neville Jetta to a concussion, they’ve also lost Dean Kent to a hamstring.
Fremantle will regain Hayden Ballantyne as he returns from a suspension for striking Harry Taylor.
Prediction
It’s by no means impossible for the Dees to get a win, and they have surprised us with a few upsets in recent times.
That said, Fremantle look switched on all over the ground at the moment and it’s very hard to see them dropping what should be an easy win.
Fremantle by 42 points.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 1.10pm AEST.