Where and when: Optus Stadium, Saturday August 17, 6.10pm AWST

TV, radio and online: Click here for broadcast guide



What it means for Fremantle: The Dockers need to dust themselves off after the shattering loss to St Kilda because the finals door is still ajar. Win both of their remaining games and they could sneak in if results fall their way.

What it means for Essendon: One more win would secure September action but it's about more than that for the Dons, who need to show some spirit and fight after horrendous losses to the Dogs and Power by a combined 163 points.

The stat: Essendon has lost on eight of the past nine trips west by an average of 47 points. The Dons' sole win was by 28 points over West Coast last year.

The match-up: Nat Fyfe v Dyson Heppell

Heppell is stoically fighting on despite carrying a foot injury and the Bombers skipper could get the job on his Fremantle counterpart. Fyfe, the game's best onballer according to AFL Player Ratings, is coming off a monster 35 disposals, 11 inside 50s and two goals and could join elite company as a dual Brownlow medallist with a big finish to the season.

It's a big week for: John Worsfold

The Bombers coach is back under the blowtorch after consecutive poundings and if his injury-ravaged side slips out of the top eight by the end of round 23 Worsfold could face serious pressure on his position. He needs one more win to qualify for finals and keep the wolves from the door.

Big call: Star Fremantle wingman Bradley Hill to drive up his potential trade value with at least 35 disposals and a goal in a best afield display.

Prediction: Dockers by 13 points