Fremantle went down to Richmond by 25 points in a free flowing, high-scoring affair on Saturday night at Optus Stadium.
The Tigers burst out of the blocks, kicking four unanswered goals to start the match.
Fremantle, inspired by early goals to Rory Lobb and Jesse Hogan, rode Fyfe's stunning opening term – featuring 10 disposals, six contested possessions, five clearances, five inside 50s and a major – and levelled the scores early in the second stanza.
What had been a free-flowing contest became an arm-wrestle, with ascendancy dictated by scoring from stoppages, and Fremantle would have expected Richmond to wilt first.
A moment of brilliance from Brandon Matera after the main break wasn’t enough to combat a 6-goal third term from the Tigers and to add to that an inaccurate quarter in front of the big sticks for Fremantle, converting three goals and eight behinds.
Despite two late goals from Fyfe in the last, it was a case of too little too late, with four majors from West Australian Tiger Shai Bolton helping to put the win out of Fremantle’s reach.
Fyfe, who took the three Brownlow votes in a 77-point loss to Richmond last year, is likely to receive maximum votes again after his stellar 33-disposal, eight-clearance and three-goal effort.
He was supported by midfield stars Michael Walters (27) and David Mundy (27, one goal), while Luke Ryan was rock-solid again down back, but not enough Dockers pulled their weight.
The 25-point defeat sees Fremantle still in the top eight as they head into next week’s clash with Essendon at Marvel Stadium.
MEDICAL ROOM
Fremantle: Fremantle seemed to get through unscathed. Luke Ryan landed heavily after a marking contest and was winded but carried on bravely.
Richmond: Tigers ruckman Toby Nankervis limped to the rooms late in the opening term with an apparent groin injury but returned early in the second. However, he didn't play any part after half-time. Jack Ross was the next casualty before half-time after heading to the rooms for treatment on a foot issue which ended his game.
FREMANTLE 3.2 5.3 8.11 12.14 (86)
RICHMOND 4.3 7.4 13.8 17.9 (111)
GOALS
Fremantle: Fyfe 3, Switkowski 2, Hogan 2, Lobb, Taberner, Matera, Mundy, Colyer
Richmond: Bolton 4, Castagna 2, Lynch 2, Lambert, Caddy, Broad, Balta, Baker, Stack, Ellis, McIntosh, Martin
BEST
Fremantle: Fyfe, Lobb, Walters, Mundy, Taberner, Ryan
Richmond: Ellis, Houli, Bolton, Caddy, Grimes, Castagna
INJURIES
Fremantle: Nil
Richmond: Nankervis (groin), Ross (ankle)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Margetts, Williamson, Wallace
Official crowd: 42,641 at Optus Stadium
