AFL: Fremantle will hunting their ninth consecutive victory - which would equal the greatest-ever winning run in club history - when they come up against Essendon at the MCG.
The Dockers tasted defeat against Geelong in round one but have not done so since, and securing another four premiership points would mean they have matched runs from 2015 and 2006 as the club’s best.
The Bombers sit 17th with only one win to show for the season, but have been competitive in patches throughout their campaign.
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Perfect start for the Dockers!
Shai Bolton has given the Dockers the perfect start at the MCG!
The in-form midfielder finished with class on the run from near the intersection of the 50-metre arc and the boundary.
FRE 1.0 (6) lead ESS 0.0 (0)
Top of the ladder for the taking?
Fremantle remain only percentage adrift of Sydney at the top of the ladder, but getting over the Swans with a huge win over Essendon today may prove too large a task.
By our calculations, the Dockers would need to beat the Bombers by more than 20 goals to leapfrog them on the ladder.
Here we go
With just under 20 minutes to go until the start of Fremantle’s clash with Essendon at the MCG, Fremantle are going through their final preparations.
Slow starts have been something of a theme for the Dockers this season and they will be hoping to get out of the blocks quickly against the Bombers.
Wet weather footy
There is some wet weather around in Melbourne today, but Fremantle’s clash with Essendon at the MCG may dodge the worst of it.
The rain radar is currently showing heavy showers in the western suburbs, but looks largely clear in the city, save for some patches which may blow over.
Can Dons topple Dockers?
Essendon may sit second-last on the ladder with only one win for the season, but the Bombers have been competitive in patches throughout the season.
The Bombers are coming off a 14-point road loss to Greater Western Sydney, in which they pressed the Giants all the way until the final siren.
Dockers get around Drizzy
After bravely revealing the depth of his mental health challenges in a social media post earlier this month, Nathan O’Driscoll will return to Fremantle’s senior side today.
Boogie in the house
Former NBA superstar DeMarcus Cousins is at the MCG for the clash - but it does not look like he will be barracking for the Dockers.
He took several shots at goal before the teams came out for their warm up and quickly discovered the challenge of kicking a Sherrin.
Dockers ruckman Mason Cox spent time talking with Cousins on the field and having photos.
Get us on the ‘G
Teams as named
Neither Fremantle nor Essendon have made any late changes for today’s game.
For the Dockers, Alex Pearce (knee), Hayden Young (concussion) and Corey Wagner (abductor) have been replaced by Nathan O’Driscoll, Oscar McDonald and Chris Scerri.
The Bombers have lost injured up-and-comers Zak Johnson and Dyson Sharp, but have regained midfielder Jye Caldwell. Will Setterfield will play his first game of the season.
Captain Caleb
In the absence of Alex Pearce due to a knee injury, vice-captain Caleb Serong will step up to lead the Dockers today.
Fremantle have plenty of leadership options - Serong is one of two vice-captains alongside Andrew Brayshaw, while Josh Treacy led the side in their pre-season hit-out against Adelaide earlier this year.
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