<p>It’s the second week of North Melbourne’s stay in Western Australia - this time hosting the Fremantle Dockers at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>The Kangaroos used their ‘get out of jail free’ card last week against the Eagles. It was a game they simply had to win, and they managed to get it done late, largely thanks to the Eagles kicking 6.16 and not helping themselves in front of goal.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Gosh, it was ugly, But the Roos were good enough to settle late, with their leaders Cam Zurhaar and Jy Simpkins securing the win with late goals.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>They host a Dockers team that is well-rested coming off the bye and is in a good position to gather some momentum. An impressive streak of wins before the bye against the Giants, Power, and the Suns has propelled them to 7-5. Courtesy of results going their way, they didn’t fall out of the top eight despite not playing last week. They now get a gift here of an ‘away’ game on their home ground before a favorable stretch of games against a string of bottom-ten teams.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>This second half of the season for the Roos is about building on the gains of the first half of the year and actually winning some games. They made a good start against the Eagles in what was a game they should have won and eventually did. Facing Freo off the bye—who are still untrustworthy—provides another chance for them to gain a scalp and prove to outsiders that they are indeed progressing.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>At selection, the Roos will be forced into at least one change, as intercepting defender Charlie Comben has been ruled out for up to three weeks with a cracked shoulder blade. Cooper Harvey and Brynn Teakle were traveling emergencies with the team last week, so the replacement will likely need to be drafted in from back in Victoria. Kallan Dawson is the most likely option.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Freo will be without their captain, Alex Pearce, once again as he deals with a hotspot in his shin. Defender Karl Worner was subbed out against the Suns due to hamstring tightness but has recovered well and should be ready to take his place. Experienced pair Michael Walters and Jaeger O’Meara are also nearing returns and could face fitness tests.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Roos vs Dockers prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>North Melbourne vs Fremantle Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>North Melbourne Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Luke McDonald, Toby Pink, Kallan Dawson</p> <p>HB: Caleb Daniel, Griffin Logue, Riley Hardeman</p> <p>C: Dylan Stephens, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Jy Simpkin</p> <p>HF: Tom Powell, Nick Larkey, Colby McKercher&nbsp;</p> <p>F: Paul Curtis, Jack Darling, Cam Zurhaar</p> <p>Foll: Tristan Xerri, George Wardlaw, Harry Sheezel</p> <p>Int: Finn O’Sullivan, Zac Fisher, Luke Parker, Jacob Konstanty, Robert Hansen Jr</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Fremantle Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Luke Ryan, Josh Draper, Karl Worner</p> <p>HB: Heath Chapman, Brennan Cox, Jordan Clark</p> <p>C: Jeremy Sharp, Shai Bolton, Matt Johnson</p> <p>HF: Michael Fredrick, Pat Voss, Murphy Reid</p> <p>F: Sam Switkowski, Josh Treacy, Jye Amiss</p> <p>Foll: Luke Jackson, Caleb Serong, Andy Brayshaw</p> <p>Int: Neil Erasmus, Corey Wagner, Sean Darcy, Bailey Banfield, Nat Fyfe</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>North Melbourne vs Fremantle Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>Freo has had the better of North Melbourne recently, winning seven of the past 10 head-to-head battles.&nbsp;</p> <p>The unique opportunity for North comes in the form of their record at Optus Stadium - currently sitting at four wins and four losses. So if there was any ground they would be happy selling a game too, this one is the one.</p> <p>The Dockers rank among the best handful of teams (fifth) in the league in chaining to score. The Roos are ranked second worst in the competition in defending opposition scoring chains.&nbsp;</p> <p>Their defence has been a problem all year, leaking big scores. While the Dockers aren’t a high-scoring team, ranking just eighth for points for - the Roos have conceded 100 points six times already this season.&nbsp;</p> <p>We sense the Dockers are starting to get rolling here. Could they beat up on North and make a statement? It would be a perfect note to kickstart the second half of their season.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/north-melbourne-v-fremantle-9270925">Dockers</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>Roos spearhead Nick Larkey rarely goes a game without a goal these days, but that happened against the Eagles.&nbsp;</p> <p>While he hasn’t been at his All-Australian best this season, we’re expecting a bounce back in a strong way. Nice and early with the first goal.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/north-melbourne-v-fremantle-9270925">Nick Larkey</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>The Dockers love to get their outside game going and will look to use their strengths in chaining to score to their advantage as it's the Roos’ weakness.&nbsp;</p> <p>This means Jordan Clark will likely see a lot of the football in his hands running and setting up the play.&nbsp; He’d have to buck a career statistical low trend of only averaging 13.8 disposals in his past five matches with the Roos, But his career-best form this year suggests he can collect the ball for fun.</p> <p>We think he’s going to have a big night dictating the play.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/north-melbourne-v-fremantle-9270925">Jordan Clark 25+ disposals</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Fremantle Dockers Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date: </strong>Saturday, June 14, 2025</p> <p><strong>First Bounce:</strong> 7:35 PM, AEST</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Optus Stadium, Perth</p> <p><strong>How to watch: </strong>Fox Footy/Kayo Sports</p>