AFL Preview Round 15: Dockers v Lions

Fremantle v Brisbane
Sun 4:40pm at Optus Stadium

The last game for Round 15 sees the Dockers welcome the Lions to their fortress at Optus Stadium on Sunday afternoon. It won’t be attracting many admirers for free-flowing, skillful footy, but for Dockers fans, they’ll be expecting a big performance as their side looks to a positive Win-Loss record for 2018, against all odds. The Lions will be without courageous vice-captain Harris Andrews, and have put in some horrid performances interstate over the past few years. Can Ross Lyon’s men record their 3rd win in a row and prove Optus Stadium is the best home-ground advantage in the league?

Form

Fremantle (LLLWW) – They may be a young side, but when they are up-and-about, Fremantle show some signs that they may be a force to be reckoned with in coming years. Their ‘veterans’ are at a perfect age, and the young kids coming through like Cerra, Brayshaw and Cox have looked comfortable at AFL level, even when they are on the wrong end of a shellacking. Nat Fyfe continues to prove why he is the best player in the competition currently, and the tail end of the list is finally starting to aim up and keep them competitive. 

Brisbane (WLLLL) – The Lions put in a brave and competitive performance last week, but all it will ever be remembered for is the horrific brain injury to Harris Andrews courtesy of Jeremy Cameron’s elbow. Fagan has said he was very proud of his boys after they lost their 2 key defenders early in the game, and the way they took the game on with their ball movement was fantastic to see, in addition to some enthusiastic pressure. Luke ‘The General’ Hodge had his best game in a number of years, essentially playing as both a quarterback and key defender; and the veteran finished with 30 disposals, 11 marks and a goal. 

Stats That Matter– Freo have won 9 of the last 10 meetings
– The Lions have not won a 1st quarter this season (-189 points)
– Dayne Beams averages 29 disposals, 1 goal, 7 tackles and 133 Fantasy Points per game against Freo
– Brisbane have lost 9 consecutive interstate matches
– The Dockers have won 5 of the 7 matches at Optus Stadium this year
– The Lions have not covered the spread in 3 straight matches
– Nat Fyfe has had 120+ Fantasy Points in 6 out of 12 games

Betting Data

2018 Line: Fremantle- 7-6; Brisbane- 6-7

2018 Over-Under: Fremantle- 3-10; Brisbane- 6-7

What To Expect

The Wolf isn’t expecting a pretty match in the graveyard Sunday twilight fixture, but no matter what way you look at it, Freo looks like they will be too good at home. Wolfie is expecting the Dockers to start strongly and lay the platform for a comfortable win (look for a frenzied Michael Walters coming off his suspension). Freo will play keepings-off throughout the game and negate the Lions pressure, with the outside runners for Freo shaping up for a big game.

How It’s Shaping UpFremantle by 26

Recommended Bets

Best Bet: Fremantle 1st Quarter Line -5.5 ($1.87)
Value Bet: Dayne Beams 120+ Fantasy Points ($4.75)
Player Prop: Nat Fyfe 120+ Fantasy Points ($2.40)
First Goalscorer: Michael Walters