DETAILS: Fremantle v Melbourne
DATE: Saturday 5 March
TIME: 7:00pm (AEDT) | 4:00pm (local)
LOCATION: Optus Stadium
BROADCAST: Seven Network, Fox Footy and Kayo Sports
GAME DAY GUIDE: Available here
LAST TIME WE MET: Qualifying Final, 2021 | Melbourne v Fremantle | Casey Fields
The Demons and the Dockers met on two occasions in 2021 and both days saw Melbourne walk away the team on top. After a successful trip to WA in Round 8, the Demons then hosted Fremantle in the Qualifying Final at Casey Fields.
In the do-or-die match, both sides started slow on the scoreboard with the home team gaining only a small lead in the first quarter thanks to an early goal from Alyssa Bannan.
It was the second term that really saw the Demons kick into gear, with forward Shelley Scott registering two goals. And it wasn’t just the forward line that shifted the momentum, with Melbourne’s defence standing strong, keeping the Dockers scoreless for the quarter.
A late surge from Fremantle brought the margin back to within four points in the final term, but Melbourne held on and a monster goal from Maddi Gay sealed the win at 5.10 (40) to 3.5 (23).
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Melbourne
Megan Fitzsimon
This young Demon returns to the side following a one-game stint in the VFLW where she collected 19 disposals and one goal, helping Casey to their third consecutive win. A Rising Star nominee, Fitzsimon has a bright future ahead, her silky skills and high energy key to what makes her important on the field. Returning to the side, there’s sure to be a determination in today’s game from the 19-year-old.
Eden Zanker
Zanker is a player of many talents and this is evident with her ability to execute varying roles across the ground. Whether she’s up forward or in the midfield, the No.29’s explosive skills and attack through the contest make her a valuable asset to Melbourne’s starting 21. With today’s important game against the Dockers, Zanker will no doubt step up to the occasion.
Kate Hore
Hore is known for thriving on a big stage and Optus Stadium may just bring out the best from our No.10. The 26-year-old has kicked eight goals over her eight games and if she doesn’t hit the scoreboard herself, we can guarantee she’ll boost her teammates in the forward line, currently averaging a team-high 3.9 score involvements.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Fremantle
Ebony Antonio
Antonio is an all-round AFLW talent who has the athletic ability to perform across multiple areas on the ground. Antonio’s energy and skills have seen her produce a number of noteworthy displays this season, having already kicked eight goals (a team-high), while averaging 3.1 score involvements. Playing in front of a home crowd at Optus Stadium, Antonio’s game will be one to watch.
Laura Pugh
Fremantle will look to its defenders to lead today’s game, in the hopes to hinder Melbourne’s strong forward line, with Pugh at the forefront of the defence. With key back Janelle Cuthbertson out due to injury, Pugh is primed to take on the challenge having performed so far in 2022, the Docker defender currently averaging 5.5 intercept possessions.
Stephanie Cain
Cain is one of Fremantle’s top midfielders, coming off an outstanding year in 2021, producing her best season to date. Currently averaging 13 disposals, she has continued to shine this year. This week will see Cain try to keep the momentum of her game against the Crows in Round 8, where she had a 21-disposals game, landing her a spot in Fremantle's best on ground.
