Fremantle v Melbourne Preview, Optus Stadium

Two sides are looking to edge closer towards a finals berth lock horns at Optus Stadium, as Fremantle takes on Melbourne. The Dockers went down against Hawthorn in Tasmania and dropped out of the top four as a result, but could welcome back Alex Pearce this week from injury, which would be a major boost to Fremantle’s defence and star ruckman Sean Darcy from concussion. Freo has been much improved at home this season, losing only twice at Optus, but it won’t be easy against a resurgent Dees outfit. Despite missing both Max Gawn and Christian Petracca, Melbourne put Essendon to the sword to claim a huge scalp and get back inside the top eight. The Dees could regain Gawn this week, to face up with former teammate Luke Jackson and Darcy (should he return from concussion) in the ruck. Fremantle dismantled Melbourne earlier this season in Alice Springs, coming away with a 92-point win.

TIP: Fremantle by 10 points, Bailey Fritsch multiple goals