Time: 16:40 AEST
Date: 12-06-2011
Venue: Patersons Stadium, Perth

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Both sides are coming of a loss however they were quite contrasting. The Bombers were outplayed for the majority of the game against an average Melbourne side who needed a win badly. The Dockers were really good at Melbourne over the Hawks until a last qtr meltdown saw them get run over by 22 points. The signs are pretty good in this one for a Freo win, especially at the odds.

Fremantle Dockers

The Dockers will be buoyed to an extent about how well they played in Melbourne and I think they can come home after a 7 day break and get a win over a Bombers side that could be starting to slide.

The defence is led by McPharlin and Grover and this duo has been down there for close to a decade, they are dependable and usually reliable and with the support of Broughton, Pearce and Johnson they should be stable enough to hold the Bombers to around 80 or so.

The midfield could be a close contest with the likes of Crichton, Mundy and Duffield all starting to have big involvements across the field. Sandilands is a massive asset to have through the centre and Kepler Bradley is proving to be useful at various positions around the field including the ruck. Pavlich can also run through the guts and do some damage.

The forward line can appear unorthodox at times but with Mayne presenting a consistent target and Ballantyne being a nuisance as usual I think the Dockers can have a good day. Fyfe and Ibbotson will also lend a hand in and around the forward 50 for the Dockers.

Essendon Bombers

The Bombers were embarrassed last week. It was shocking the way they went down and I think it could be the beginning of something that they just couldn’t maintain for a season. Whilst they didn’t have Watson there were no excuses for the efforts of Friday night against the Dees.

The defence of Fletcher, Hardingham and Hooker will definitely have their work cut out for them this week. I think Fletcher will really need to work hard to lead his young troops in this one or it could be a 10 goal hiding.

The midfield has plenty of potential but it will be interesting to see how the Bombers travel. I don’t know if Watson is back in the mix but even if he plays I don’t think the result will change. Stanton, Colyer and Melksham need to stand up in big ways this week especially if their captain doesn’t play. They will be pivotal and look for them if the Bombers are to push this and perhaps even win it.

Up forward the Dons are coming off one of their worst weeks all year scoring only 68 against Melbourne of all teams. Crameri, Zaharakis and Monfries will be the small targets who will probably need 6-7 between them to keep it competitive. Hille and Ryder will be the tall timber and with two big men in the forward line this is perhaps where the Dons could make a stand, or it could backfire because once the ball hits the ground they won’t be mobile enough.

The Verdict

The Dockers should win this in one of the best priced bets of the year.

The Pick :

Fremantle Dockers 109-82 Essendon Bombers

PERCENTAGE ESTIMATE :

85%

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Fremantle to win at 1.76 at Centrebet.