<p>Fremantle got its season back on track with a commanding derby win but are still yet to prove that they can match it with genuine contenders. Meanwhile, the Dogs continued their plucky start to the season when they ran over the top of Carlton to climb into the top eight.</p> <p>Both teams are looking to take a big step in solidifying their credentials this season. At this time of the year, it’s all about banking the wins and setting yourself up for the year. The Dockers home-ground advantage, plus what is at stake for their coach Justin Longmuir this season should tilt this in the Dockers favour slightly.</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds and betting tips, check out our Dockers vs Dogs prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Fremantle vs Western Bulldogs Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Fremantle</h3> <p>B: Brennan Cox, Alex Pearce, Josh Draper</p> <p>HB: Jordan Clark, Luke Ryan, Heath Chapman</p> <p>C: Jeremy Sharp, Nathan O’Driscoll, Matt Johnson</p> <p>HF: Shai Bolton, Michael Fredrick, Murphy Reid</p> <p>F: Jye Amiss, Josh Treacy, Patrick Voss</p> <p>Foll: Luke Jackson, Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw</p> <p>Int: Isaiah Dudley, Bailey Banfield, Neil Erasmus, Corey Wagner, James Aish</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Western Bulldogs</h3> <p>B: Harvey Gallagher, Liam Jones, Buku Khamis</p> <p>HB: Bailey Dale, Rory Lobb, Lachie Bramble</p> <p>C: Sam Davidson, Tom Liberatore, Bailey Williams</p> <p>HF: Matt Kennedy, Aaron Naughton, Ryley Sanders</p> <p>F: Rhylee West, Sam Darcy, Laitham Vandermeer</p> <p>Foll: Tim English, Joel Freijah, Ed Richards</p> <p>Int: Taylor Duryea, James O’Donnell, James Harmes, Lachlan McNeil, Josh Dolan</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Fremantle vs Western Bulldogs Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>These two sides have traded results over the past few years, with both meetings last season going the way of the home team.</p> <p>The Dockers showed signs last week of their improved ball movement, scoring 11 times from the back half. Albeit against a lesser opposition in the Eagles, it’s been a while since they have successfully done that and it’s a nod to what they have been trying to do.</p> <p>If young gun Hayden Young returns from injury, this will only enhance what the Dockers are trying to do and add so much to how they play football, which could open up more avenues to scoring and delivery to their exciting forward line.&nbsp;</p> <p>For the Bulldogs, Luke Beveridge might be coaching better than he ever has. Missing so many first-choice stars, he’s been able to find some players and repurpose them. Sam Davidson has added such an incredible dimension on the wing and Matthew Kennedy has grabbed his third chance at AFL life with both hands, and showed his old side last week, just what they were missing out on.</p> <p>The Dockers ball movement suits their home ground expanses, whereas the Dogs focus is locking the ball in their front half and generating scores from there. While they’re yet to properly click into gear this year, the Dockers defence showed signs of getting back to its best against the Eagles and despite the challenge posed by Sam Darcy, could flex its home ground advantage.</p> <p>It’s the reason why I'm picking them to win.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/fremantle-v-western-bulldogs-9063253">Fremantle</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>Not long after winning his place on an AFL list, Isaiah Dudley made a dream derby debut for the Dockers and hit the scoreboard early.</p> <p>With his elusiveness, flair and natural instinct on show, a quick glance at the Bulldogs small defenders and it looks like there might be a mismatch here. We’re backing him in to hit the board early here again as an outsider.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/fremantle-v-western-bulldogs-9063253">Isaiah Dudley</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>He’s been the stand-in captain for the Bulldogs in the absence of the Bont, and Tom Liberatore is putting up numbers.</p> <p>He is averaging a career-high 30.7 disposals per game, as well as 7.3 tackles, 6.0 inside-50s and 7.7 clearances. Fresh off a 30-possession and seven score involvement game against the Blues last week, we’re backing him to go again against the Dockers.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting Tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/fremantle-v-western-bulldogs-9063253">Tom Liberatore 30+ Disposals&nbsp;</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Fremantle vs Western Bulldogs Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date: </strong>Sunday April 6, 2025.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>First Bounce: </strong>5:10pm, AEDT</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Optus Stadium, Perth</p> <p><strong>How to watch: </strong>Fox Footy / Kayo</p>