Fremantle Dockers target minor premiership in MCG clash with Melbourne Demons

Fremantle Dockers sit atop the AFL ladder with an 18‑2 record and will look to secure the minor premiership by beating sixth‑placed Melbourne Demons (13‑7) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Melbourne entered the match with a perfect 9‑0 home record before a recent loss, while the Dockers have already locked in a top‑two berth.

In round two, Fremantle defeated Melbourne by 48 points at Optus Stadium, a game Melbourne coach Steven King described as “a great dress rehearsal for both teams really.” Dockers midfielder Neil Erasmus said the MCG feels “significant” and noted the ball bounces differently on its surface. Fremantle will be without skipper Alex Pearce, who dislocated a finger, with Brennan Cox replacing him, while Melbourne welcome back defender Daniel Turner and forward Kade Chandler.