Freemantle will be hoping for a better NAB Cup campaign this season as they face the challenge of Melbourne in the opening round of the pre-season competition on Sunday.
Freemantle crashed out in the first round in 2009 thanks to a narrow 89-86 defeat at the hands of Richmond and they will be hoping to be better prepared this time around.
As expected, draft pick Anthony Morabito has been named in the initial 29-man squad alongside other draftees Dylan Roberton, Michael Barlow and Alex Silvagni, while Adam McPhee is in line for his return game for Freemantle.
Melbourne also crashed out at the first hurdle last year when they failed to overcome Hawthorn in another tight game that ended 69-66.
The impressive Tom Scully and Jack Trengrove have both been included in Melbourne’s squad and will be itching to get some NAB Cup game time, while James Strauss and Jack Fitzpatrick are also in line for their debuts.
Last season both teams had poor seasons and back in round 20 bottom club Melbourne saw off Freemantle 127-64, so there will be an element of revenge surrounding this encounter.
Sportsbet.com.au have Freemantle available for the victory at 1.38A$, while the same company has Melbourne at 3.08 to advance to the quarter-finals.
After last season’s hammering Freemantle will be out for revenge and Sportsbet.com.au have them available at 4.30 to record a winning margin of 20-39 points, while you can get a price of 21.00 for Melbourne to repeat their drubbing of last season with a margin of 60 or more points.
Backing Freemantle for a half-time/full-time double is available at 1.65, although a bet on Freemantle to be up at the break and Melbourne coming back to advance can be taken up with Sportsbet.com.au at 9.50.