We'll endeavour to run through the form, incorporate appropriate stats and also supply a betting prediction which won't always just be who will win.

FREMANTLE v WEST COAST

Sunday 2 April @ Optus Stadium

We end as we often do in Perth but this is like few others.

The Derby/Darby, or however you want to recognise it, has willing foe who don't like each other. But there is even more to be fearful of this time around as they collectively are 1/3 and not playing well.

That is certainly the case for Fremantle. To have made and won a final last year and now been knocked off by St Kilda and North Melbourne, serious questions will be flowing in the Perth media.

Justin Longmuir spoke of some nervousness pre-game to begin the season. It has borne fruit. They are playing with said anxiety. There is a lack of ball movement and little confidence that when actually doing it, that it will get the desired result in a forward line without forwards.

Sure a few of the midfielders are finding it and four actually had 29 or more last week but the scoreboard is not being hit.

They kicked 7 goals in Round 1 and 10 last week. And that is against poor sides. Now West Coast aren't going to change that rating here but it's a sign of problems everywhere.

At the very least West Coast did win and played with more freedom against the Giants. The 'Sherrin did sing' a little more and gave the likes of Allen, Ryan and Darling a bit more time to spread defences.

That also opens up possibilities for the midfielders to run through gaps or receive handballs. The immobility in the past has made them so vulnerable.

It must also mean the players get more chance to express their undoubted talents. The old guard, of which there are plenty, need the fresh blood to be doing just that.

This is such a crunch game for many reasons and not just who gets to claim control of Perth. West Coast need to show things are heading in a good direction. But Fremantle need to show they aren't completely off the rails.

A season probably ends even in Round 3 for the loser. If that is the Dockers then there will be some retribution and questions will be readily asked.

While West Coast are a hope given history (32/23 from the 55 games), Fremantle just have to win. There is no coming back. It is a totally blown season if they are 0/3 as Top 4 is almost impossible and Top 8 is tough as it was.

So the Dockers to show they are the better team and to make themselves feel a bit better even just for seven days.

Match Selection: Fremantle by 29 points

Suggested Bets: Fremantle -14.5 @ $1.90