Roar Guru
It was a hard battle for both sides until the final term, when Fremantle started quickly through captain Matthew Palvich, and never looked back, scoring 7 goals in 28 minutes of play and ultimately winning by 36 points.
>> MATCH REPORT: Dockers sink Brisbane with late blitz
Fremantle 12.6.84 def. Brisbane 7.6.48
The Fremantle Dockers host the Brisbane Lions at Domain Stadium to close out Round 14. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 4:40pm (AEST).
The current league leaders are four points clear at the top of the ladder, and with this game in hand, could easily see that margin stretch to six against a weak Brisbane Lions side.
The Lions have struggled to impress in Western Australia, scoring six goals or fewer in their last five outings against Fremantle.
Their highest scoring game this year was against St Kilda in Round 9, scoring 86 to St Kilda’s 108. As expected, it has been an extremely poor season for the Brisbane side, though it’s not all bad.
Dayne Beams has been the bright light in a lacklustre Lions midfield. They’re constantly over-run by opponents, though if another midfielder can find some form, then Brisbane might have a chance of winning some games.
Zorko and Rich have both showed promise this season, but need other players around them to start hitting some form. Green will also be pivotal, alongside McStay in the front third.
For Freemantle, Walters will be looking to build on his four goals last week; and second highest goal scorer, Matthew Pavlich, would be disappointed to not get any this week after failing to convert against Collingwood.
However, the Dockers’ captain should fancy his chances in breaking a three-match goal drought against the lowest possession side in the competition.
Fremantle will extend their lead at the top of the table today unless Brisbane produce a miracle. With leading Ruckman Stefan Martin suspended, Matthew Leuenberger gets his chance to impress against Aaron Sandilands.
To get on top of the AFL’s leading ruckman will be a mighty challenge for a player who hasn’t had much game time this season, but if Brisbane are to have any chance of winning, Sandilands will need to be stopped.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage form 4:40pm (AEST). If you are following the action live, be sure to share your thoughts on the match in the comments below.