SUMMARY
Back-to-back losses and an extensive injury list have Richmond on unsteady ground for the first time this season as the glow of a 5-0 start begins to fade. The Tigers are still playing good football and they could easily have walked away with the four points in a thrilling five-point loss to the Western Bulldogs in round seven. The Tigers won't be at full strength against a Fremantle team that has turned its season around. While the Tigers' success this year has been based on a new attacking game style, the Fremantle Dockers' has been built around youth. Ross Lyon's men have won four of their past five games, their latest a 37-point win against Essendon at Domain Stadium. Three of those four wins have come at home, making Sunday's match at the MCG a significant test of their progress, as well as Richmond's.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday 14 May, 1.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R9, 2016, Richmond 11.17 (83) d Fremantle 6.9 (45) at Domain Stadium
R17, 2015, Fremantle 12.10 (82) d Richmond 10.18 (78) at the MCG
R10, 2015, Richmond 15.7 (97) d Fremantle 10.10 (70) at Domain Stadium
R13, 2014, Fremantle 16.9 (105) d Richmond 12.13 (85) at the MCG
R17, 2013, Richmond 12.12 (84) d Fremantle 8.9 (57) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
- Fremantle struggled against the Tigers when they last met, kicking two first half goals on their way to a 38-point loss at home. Trent Cotchin (39 possessions and 10 clearances) and Dustin Martin (30 and six inside 50s) starred, with Martin picking up the three Brownlow votes.
- Richmond has been a strong contested possession team in 2017 and ranks equal second (149.3 a game), while the Fremantle Dockers are ranked 16th (136.6).
- The Tigers advantage could be in their tackling power, ranking No.3 with 72.6 a game, compared to Freo (18th at 53.9 a game). It has been a terrific turnaround after the Tigers ranked last for overall tackles in 2016.
- In Richmond’s favour is their record against Fremantle at the MCG, holding an 8-4 advantage overall. Fremantle have won three of the last four, however, including a four-point thriller when they last met at the venue.
- Fremantle’s defensive effort has returned in recent weeks. In the opening two rounds they conceded 130 points a game, but in the four matches since they have conceded 84 points a game.
- Richmond forward Dan Butler has cracked the top 500 in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, climbing from No.575 overall in round one to No.500 after finding his niche in a dangerous small forward line.