SUMMARY
Somewhat amazingly both of these sides remain in finals contention after results went their way last round. But whoever loses this game can almost rule themselves out of reaching the top eight, making the Etihad Stadium meeting important in the context of their season. Essendon claimed its sixth win of its past eight games with a comfortable, if not scratchy, 44-point win over Gold Coast last week. It was a hard-fought victory but was the Bombers' fourth straight win on the road and they had a strong spread of goalkickers. Andrew McGrath and Kyle Langford both gathered 25 disposals as Essendon's midfield for the future takes shape. The Dockers kept their very, very faint finals hopes alive last week with a surprise win over top-four fancies Port Adelaide at Optus Stadium. The gritty victory will see the Dockers head to Melbourne with confidence as they hope to back up their last Etihad Stadium performance when they beat Carlton by 57 points in round 13.

WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, July 21, 4.35pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide

LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R2, 2018, Fremantle Dockers 16.10 (106) d Essendon 14.6 (90) at Optus Stadium
R23, 2017, Essendon 16.11 (107) d Fremantle Dockers 14.8 (92) at Etihad Stadium
R7, 2017, Fremantle Dockers 17.14 (116) d Essendon 11.13 (79) at Subiaco Oval
R11, 2016, Fremantle Dockers 20.6 (126) d Essendon 6.11 (47) at Subiaco Oval
R6, 2015, Fremantle Dockers 12.8 (80) d Essendon 7.10 (52) at Subiaco Oval

THE SIX POINTS

1. The Dockers were clearly the better side in round two, when they won by 16 points. The margin flattered the Bombers, but they won't have to stop Nat Fyfe this time after he starred with 29 disposals and a goal last time. 

2. Essendon is a kicking team, being ranked seventh in the competition with an average of 216.1 kicks a game. Freo is ranked 16th in the competition with an average of 206.9.

3. Fremantle has dominated Essendon recently winning five of the past six contests between the sides. It has also won seven of its past 10 games since 2010. 

4. In the Bombers' favour is their record against the Dockers at Etihad Stadium, where they have won nine of 10 contests. Fremantle's only win against Essendon at the venue occurred in round two, 2010. 

5. The Dockers have been a better centre clearance team this season than the Bombers. They are ranked equal ninth averaging 12.1 a game ahead of the Bombers, who are ranked equal 15th with 11.7 a game. 

6. Dyson Heppell has been a key player in Essendon's better form in the past two months, which has been reflected in the Schick AFL Player Ratings. Heppell started the season ranked at No.200 but is now No.46 in the competition. 

IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR … 
Sean Darcy was excellent in Fremantle's win last week with 15 disposals and 33 hit-outs and will again need to be at the top of his game as he comes up against Tom Bellchambers, who has been in strong form for most of the season as Essendon's No.1 ruckman.