First quarter:
The last time the two sides met, Richmond booted eight first-quarter goals at Domain Stadium. Fremantle’s defence is holding teams to an average of just 2.5 goals in the first quarter this season. Richmond and Hawthorn are the only teams to have kicked more than three goals against Freo in the first term. The first term of Saturday's blockbuster against Richmond could be decisive.
 
Forwards v defenders:
Richmond’s forward line is among the most potent in the AFL. Led by Jack Riewoldt, plenty of players can run through the forward line such as classy finishers Dustin Martin and Brett Deledio. They will be without tall forward Ty Vickery, who is serving a two-game suspension.
 
MCG:
The buzz around Fremantle this week is that they are champing at the bit to get back to the home of football. The ‘G’ hoodoo of years gone by seems to no longer haunt Fremantle. The club beat Richmond there in Round 13 last year by 20 points.
 
Form:
Richmond are one of the most in-form teams of the competition, winnings its past four matches. Fremantle head into Saturday’s fixture off the back of a heavy 72-point loss to Hawthorn and solid win over Carlton. The game could be good indication of what form both teams are in heading towards the business end of the season.