SUMMARY
The last time these two sides met was in a qualifying final after the Dockers had won the minor premiership. Nine months on they have won just three games for the season and host a Swans side gearing up for another September campaign. But the Dockers have plenty to play for. Matthew Pavlich becomes the 15th player in league history, and the first Docker, to reach 350 games. His career is coming to a close at the end of the season and the Dockers will want to honour the occasion with a good performance. The Swans lost three out of three at Domain Stadium last season and need to win to avoid losing ground on the rest of the top-four contenders.
WHERE AND WHEN: Domain Stadium, Sunday, July 31, 1.20pm AWST
LAST FIVE TIMES
1QF, 2015, Fremantle Dockers 10.9 (69) d Sydney Swans 7.18 (60) at Domain Stadium
R4, 2015, Fremantle Dockers 11.8 (74) d Sydney Swans 8.12 (60) at Domain Stadium
1QF, 2014, Sydney Swans 13.15 (93) d Fremantle Dockers 10.9 (69) at ANZ Stadium
R5, 2014, Sydney Swans 13.14 (92) d Fremantle Dockers 11.9 (75) at the SCG
2PF, 2013, Fremantle Dockers 14.15 (99) d Sydney Swans 11.8 (74) at Domain Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. When these teams last played the Swans were held to just two first-half goals but only fell nine points short. Josh Kennedy was best on ground with 39 disposals. Hayden Ballantyne and Michael Walters combined for six of the Dockers' 10 goals.
2. The Swans are the best tackling side in 2016 averaging 82.3 per game. Fremantle is not far behind though, ranked fourth with 73.1 per game.
3. The Swans have the best defence in 2016 after 17 games, conceding only 69.7 points per game. The Dockers are mid-table this season conceding 91 points per game.
4. The Dockers have won eight of their 10 matches against the Swans at Domain Stadium. The Swans haven't defeated the Dockers in Perth since 2010.
5. The Dockers have taken the ball inside 50 less than any other team this season, averaging only 46.2 entries per game. By contrast the Swans are ranked second with 56.6 per game.
6. Lance Franklin is the highest ranked key forward on the AFL Player Ratings at 21st overall. Fremantle champion Matthew Pavlich is the Dockers' highest ranked key forward at 168th.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Matthew Pavlich
He becomes the 15th player to reach 350 games and has four games left in his phenomenal career. He is fresh after being rested last week and he would love to perform well in his milestone game.
AFL.com.au PREDICTION: Sydney Swans by 20 points
