North Melbourne head west on Saturday night, looking to start a season 2-0 for the first time since 2020 as they take on a Fremantle side that will be desperate to bounce back after a disappointing performance in Round One.
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AFL Round 2 Preview & Betting Tips
Fremantle vs North Melbourne
Saturday 7:20pm AEDT, March 25th, Optus Stadium
The Clarkson era at North Melbourne began with a thrilling five point win over West Coast, in a game the Roos controlled for large proceedings of the clash. North led by 33 points during the third quarter, with the Roos midfield dominating proceedings recording +40 disposals and +15 clearances, despite the Eagles winning hitouts by 17 after Tristain Xerri was subbed off early through injury.
While North Melbourne’s campaign began in positive fashion, Fremantle were arguably the most disappointing side in Round One. The Dockers could only manage seven goals as they lost by fifteen points to an injury depleted St Kilda outfit. Expectations are high on the Dockers after a Semi Final appearance in 2022, and they failed their opening test of the season miserably.
Star recruit Luke Jackson will be under plenty of pressure after a poor showing in his Fremantle debut, recording 12 disposals, 0 marks and 0 goals. The Dockers gave up a lot of depth, draft capital, and money for him, and will be expecting far greater performances from the young gun.
The Dockers system with ball in hand leaves plenty to be desired, as they continue to play an outdated possession based brand of football. Fremantle dominated many key statistical areas, recording +44 disposals, +12 inside 50’s and +51 uncontested possessions.
The most damning stat that highlights Fremantle’s inability to have impact with possession is highlighted by their marks tally. The Dockers took 136 marks, but only 8 of those came inside 50. When you compare that to the way the premier sides of the competition in Melbourne, Geelong and Collingwood play, it’s difficult to see Fremantle being successful with this method.
Todd Goldstein will receive a recall after Tristain Xerri’s ankle injury, after the veteran ruckman was surprisingly overlooked for selection in Round One. The battle between Goldstein and Fremantle ruckman Sean Darcy will be a fascinating battle, given the strength of both midfields.
Fremantle have well and truly had the wood over North Melbourne, winning the last four meetings between the two sides by margins of 78, 51, 64 and 82. Three of those four games were played at Optus Stadium, where the Roos have never beaten the Dockers.
Despite the contrasting form of both sides, the Dockers have dominated the Kangaroos by an average margin of 68 points over their last four matches. Fremantle will be desperate to avoid starting the season 0-2, and will produce a big performance against the Roos.
Fremantle -31.5
$1.85 (1.5 Units)
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Harry Sheezel 20+ Disposals: Sheezel lit up Marvel Stadium in Round One with a surprising move to half back, where the youngster recorded the third most disposals for a player on debut. With the ball set to spend plenty of time in the Roos defence, the number three pick won’t have any issues finding the footy.
Luke Davies-Uniacke 25+ Disposals: Luke Davies-Uniacke picked up where he left off from the back end of last season, with 32 disposals in Round One. Davies-Uniacke recorded 25+ disposals in seven of his last eight games in 2022, and has proven his ability to rack up disposals, despite how North are performing.
Caleb Serong 25+ Disposals: Whilst Andy Brayshaw gets the limelight, Caleb Serong is consistently putting up big numbers. Serong picked up 29 disposals in Round One, and averaged 31 disposals per game across his last four games last season. Serong has enjoyed playing against the Roos, recording 27 and 35 disposals in his last two games against North Melbourne.
Nick Larkey 2+ Goals: Nick Larkey got the Roos across the line in Round One, with a bag of six goals in the win over West Coast. Larkey has kicked 14 goals in his last four games, and will need to be at his best if the Roos are to be competitive in this clash.
Same Game Multi odds - $3.60
