Lyon over Tigers

Here’s a stat Ross Lyon has heard before. Richmond have never won a game he has been the senior coach in. Dating back to 2007, when he was in charge of St Kilda, to round 5 this season, when Freo beat the Tigers by a point, Lyon has won nine and drawn one of 10 contests. But remember, the past counts for nothing.

Ins and outs

The likely return of Paul Duffield in defence has been offset by the loss of Matthew Pavlich up forward. Freo will probably look to replace the skipper with either Jack Hannath or Matt Taberner, while Nick Suban could return after being a late withdrawal last week.

Richmond Rising

Richmond has been the big improver in the AFL this season. The Tigers have won five of their past six to sit one spot behind Fremantle on the AFL ladder in sixth. It’s defensively that Damien Hardwick’s side has really picked up the pace. Richmond was ranked 10th in the AFL for points conceded last year, but in 2013, the Tigers are currently fourth, behind only Fremantle, Sydney and Essendon.

Return to the ‘G’

This will be Fremantle’s first match at the MCG since last year’s remarkable elimination final win over then-reigning premiers Geelong. The side has won two from three at the home of football under Ross Lyon, a good statistic considering all roads to the sustained success the club craves run through the hallowed turf.

MCG debuts for Freo youngsters

If selected, Fremantle youngsters Tom Sheridan and Cam Sutcliffe will play their first game at the MCG as AFL players. Two Freo players have appeared on the ground in the biggest game of them all. Danyle Pearce played in the 2007 Grand Final for Port Adelaide, while Zac Dawson has appeared in three deciders in 2009 and 2010 (and the 2010 replay after a draw).