Without Matthew Pavlich and Aaron Sandilands, the Dockers would, on paper, look to be an easier proposition but in recent weeks they’ve proven more than capable in their absence.
Missing in action
North Melbourne
Robbie Tarrant – leg – 1 week
Tom Curran – foot – season
Scott McMahon – ankle - test
Fremantle
Jesse Chrichton – hip – test
Michael Walters – ankle – test
Haiden Schloithe – calf – test
Peter Faulks – hip – test
Matthew Pavlich – achilles – 1 week
Aaron Sandilands – hamstring – 1-2 weeks
Anthony Morabito – knee – 2-3 weeks
Craig Moller – quad – 3 weeks
Sam Menegola – knee – 8 weeks
Jonathon Griffin – knee – season
Kepler Bradley – knee – season
Key matchup
Drew Petrie v Luke McPharlin
Arguably the most important key-position players for their respective teams, Petrie and McPharlin’s contest could well decide the outcome of the match.
The two last matched up in Round 22 of 2012, and McPharlin kept Petrie goalless.
Petrie’s form has been solid but Brad Scott will be hoping for a big output from his vice-captain on Sunday.
How will North respond?
The loss against the Suns was North’s low-point and it needs to turn things around quickly to have any hope of playing finals.
With six wins and a draw from their last seven, the Dockers are flying.
The Kangaroos have been fast-starters and against a lock-down style of play, they will be aiming to burst out of the blocks.
Tall or small?
Majak Daw’s late replacement turned out to be the right move against the Gold Coast, despite the result.
The dewy conditions didn’t suit the big men and with rain forecast for Sunday, Scott may opt for a two-pronged tall attack again.
Beating the zone
If North can’t adapt to its opponent’s defensive style, the result will be similar to last week.
The Roos will need to be patient going forward, with long bombs into attack exactly what the Dockers want.
Fremantle’s opponents have scored just 35 times from possession starting in the defensive 50, meaning the Dockers are getting numbers back quickly and clogging up the space.
A patient, precise approach will be needed to find the goals.
The small forwards
Lindsay Thomas and Michael Walters are considered by many as the best small forwards in the competition, which makes for an intriguing battle at opposite ends.
Walters is set to make his return from injury and may be a slow starter, while Thomas will be looking to improve on his last outing at Patersons Stadium when he was kept goalless for the only time this season.
The prospect of a shootout is exciting, with skill and flair a huge asset for both.
Where North can win it
It’s often said the midfield is where the game is won. With that in mind, North will look to take advantage in the centre.
The Kangaroos rank sixth in the league for centre clearances, while the Dockers are last.
With Todd Goldstein second in the competition for hit-outs and Ben Cunnington and Andrew Swallow near the top at centre stoppages, it’s an area North can make its mark.
