Sunday’s AFL 2018 Round 15 match is between Fremantle Dockers and Brisbane Lions. The opening kick is set to commence at 16:40 local time with the game to be played at Optus Stadium. The home team Fremantle Dockers are the favourites for the match.
View our preview and teams for the game between Fremantle Dockers and Brisbane Lions.
When: 16:40 | Sunday 01/07/2018
Where: Optus Stadium
Preview:
Fremantle scored heavily against the Blues, so it’s going to be a tough trip west for the Lions.
This is the longest road trip in the game.
Nat Fyfe has been red hot and I’d look for that to continue as he will be fresh from the break.
The Lions’ midfield is strong and the young players continue to impress.
The loss of key defender Harris Andrews however, is a massive blow.
KEY BATTLE: Stefan Martin v Aaron Sandilands
The Verdict
The Dockers, who lead Brisbane 9-1 since 2010, are very hard to beat at home and they’ll win easily.
Freo has a 13-10 (56.5 percent) W/L record playing as a home team after travelling 2001 to 3000 kms since 2015.
Unibet Odds:
Fremantle at $1.26
Brisbane at $4.00
Odds:
Tip: Fremantle Dockers at $1.28
Value Bet: First Goal Scorer: Brennan Cox at $9.50
More Info:
Teams:
Fremantle Dockers: 
B Joel Hamling, Luke Ryan, Nathan Wilson
HB Stephen Hill, Alex Pearce, Ed Langdon
C Adam Cerra, Lachie Neale, Andrew Brayshaw
HF Michael Walters, Shane Kersten, Brennan Cox
F Hayden Ballantyne, Michael Apeness, Brandon Matera
FOL Aaron Sandilands, David Mundy, Nat Fyfe
I/C Bailey Banfield, Darcy Tucker, Tommy Sheridan, Stefan Giro
EMG Ethan Hughes, Ryan Nyhuis, Cameron Sutcliffe, Scott Jones
IN Alex Pearce, Michael Walters
OUT Connor Blakely (Injured), Ryan Nyhuis (Omitted)
Brisbane Lions: 
B Luke Hodge, Daniel McStay, Darcy Gardiner
HB Daniel Rich, Tom Cutler, Alex Witherden
C Lewis Taylor, Mitch Robinson, Dayne Zorko
HF Cameron Rayner, Josh Walker, Hugh McCluggage
F Allen Christensen, Eric Hipwood, Ryan Lester
FOL Stefan Martin, Jarrod Berry, Dayne Beams
I/C Nick Robertson, Rhys Mathieson, Jake Barrett, Oscar McInerney
EMG Ryan Bastinac, Jacob Allison, Mitchell Hinge, Jack Frost
IN Daniel McStay, Mitch Robinson, Jake Barrett
OUT Sam Mayes (Omitted), Harris Andrews (Injured), Zac Bailey (Omitted)
AFL News:
Fremantle youngster Bailey Banfield admits life as a tagger can be stressful, and he’s keen to avoid any more pain to the hip pocket.
The emergence of Banfield has been a huge bonus for Fremantle this season, with the 20-year-old impressing in his role as a tough run-with player.
Banfield, who was overlooked in last year’s national draft before being snapped up by the Dockers as a rookie, has played every game this season.
And his efforts to limit some of the AFL’s best midfielders has even led to calls for him to be included in the All-Australian conversation.
But like most taggers, Banfield has pushed the boundaries this season, and has already been fined on three occasions.
Banfield was fined $1000 for making contact with injured Gold Coast player Aaron Hall in round three.
He copped a $1500 whack for misconduct against Bulldogs star Shaun Higgins in round five.
And he was fined another $1000 for wrestling St Kilda’s Jack Steven in round eight.
“(There’s been) three separate incidents, which is a bit unfortunate,” Banfield said.
“But I’ve learnt from each one, and it’s something that I’m looking to get out of my game.”
Banfield could be given the tagging job on Brisbane star Dayne Beams in Sunday’s clash at Optus Stadium.
The first-year player says he doesn’t normally find out whether he will be tagging someone until later in the week.
Banfield described his season so far as a dream, but said the life of a tagger was a tough one.
“It is stressful, knowing you’re coming up against the best players in the comp,” Banfield said.
“You’re tagging them for a reason. It is definitely a stressful experience, but you learn that much from it.”
Banfield said he was flattered by comments from North Melbourne great David King earlier this season calling for the tagger to be included in All-Australian conversations.
“It’s hard to avoid that sort of stuff (when) mates are sending it to you and that sort of thing,” Banfield said.
“But you don’t focus on it too much. Really blokes like that outside the club don’t have as much information as what your coaches do.
“So you try to focus more on what your coaches and other players are saying. And then anything that blokes like Kingy are saying is a bonus.”
Fremantle have been buoyed by recent wins over Adelaide and Carlton, and have the perfect chance to make it three victories in a row against struggling Brisbane.
