Fremantle had not won at the MCG in its previous 10 visits dating back to mid 2007.
In Ross Lyon’s first season in charge, the side came into the round 11, 2012 game against Richmond on the back of three disappointing losses and mounting media pressure.
When superstar ruckman Aaron Sandilands had to be subbed off in the early minutes, Fremantle’s chances of victory appeared as bleak as the weather.
But in some of the most trying conditions a forward could face, Matthew Pavlich shone brighest.
The Freo captain inspired his own team and crushed the Tigers’ spirits.
In a seesawing, low-scoring contest, Pavlich’s six goals were the clear difference. Each came at a critical juncture of the match.
On this day, the club’s inspirational captain simply said enough was enough.
The win could be seen as a landmark one in Ross Lyon’s tenure at Freo, and Pavlich had played a huge part in it.
“Against the odds in the wet, we were behind, and he’s kicked six against Richmond in really difficult conditions,” Lyon said.
“It was just a real captain’s game.”
Match Day Information
