Match Preview - Fremantle v Richmond

When and Where - Saturday 9 June, 11.40am (WST) bounce down, MCG

Perth Broadcast information

TV: Live from 11.30am on Fox Footy and Channel 7

Radio: Live from 11.30am on 720 ABC and 882 6PR

For the full AFL national broadcast schedule, click here


Game day coverage

Club website: www.fremantlefc.com.au

Social Media: Twitter and Facebook - For gameday photos, score updates and statistics

Form-line

Freo - W L W W L W W L L L
Richmond - L L W L L W W L W W

The medical room

Freo - Adam McPhee returns after missing a couple of games. He’ll give Freo toughness and experience in what’s sure to be a physical game.

Richmond - The Tigers’ midfield loses key ball-winner Nathan Foley who is out injured this week.

Who’s hot

Freo - Matt de Boer: A switch to the midfield last week yielded 25 possessions and seven tackles. De Boer is likely to line-up there again and be matched up on one of Richmond’s star on-ballers.

Richmond - Brett Deledio: The speedy midfielder has been in brilliant form this season, averaging 28.5 disposals a game. He’s one of a dangerous band of Tigers’ midfielders that’ll have to be contained.

X-Factor

Freo - Michael Barlow: Barlow showed promising signs last week that his best isn’t that far away. Saturday at the MCG would be a timely occasion for the brilliant midfielder to put in another big game.

Richmond: Trent Cotchin: It’s arguable that there’s no midfielder in the competition playing better than this young star at the minute. Cotchin uses his impeccable balance, silky skills and footy nous to hurt the opposition.

Key match-ups

Luke McPharlin v Jack Riewoldt: After an eight goal haul last week against the Saints, Jack Riewoldt will be keen to continue his excellent form. Standing in his way, however, is one of the best defenders in the competition - Luke McPharlin. This will be a big match-up that could determine who takes home the four points.

Aaron Sandilands v Ivan Maric: The only thing growing bigger than Maric’s reputation this season is his mullet. An early candidate for a spot in the All Australian team, Maric gets his chance to prove how far he’s come since his move from Adelaide by taking on the best in the business - Aaron Sandilands.

Ryan Crowley v Trent Cotchin: Crowley has been tremendous this season, performing big shutdown roles on a weekly basis. Saturday throws at him yet another huge challenge. He could line-up on a number of Tiger midfielders, but the smart money says Ross Lyon will send him to the dangerous Cotchin.

Toyota AFL Dream Team

Freo - Aaron Sandilands: The ruck giant has averaged 113.7 points per game in his past three against the Tigers.

Richmond - Robin Nahas: Nahas has flown under the radar in previous matches between the sides to average 98 points over his past three against Fremantle.

Click here to see the match report from the last match between Fremantle and Richmond