Mark this one down as a sigh of relief for Tigers coach Damien Hardwick.
The 8.8 (56) to 4.5 (29) result at Metricon Stadium came despite a massive effort from Fremantle’s midfield, dominating the clearances 38-19 and winning the contested possession 112-108.
Richmond jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter and held Fremantle at arm's length for the rest of the contest.
Fremantle clawed back to get within a goal at the final change in a low-scoring affair, proving to be dogged in the midfield and organised in defence, but the Tigers were able to win ugly, booting four goals to one in the final term.
It was the Tigers' ninth win from their past 11 games and although not their best, was equally as important as Hardwick's charges keep their momentum ahead of their next finals tilt.
Fore Fremantle, Nat Fyfe led the way with 23 disposals, 12 contested possessions and nine clearances with impressive support from 19-year-old Caleb Serong, who had 22 disposals, nine contested possessions, five tackles and five clearances.
Blake Acres enjoyed a prolific return after battling injury and fighting his way back into the side through the reserves. The midfielder had a game-high 27 disposals, four more than any other player, as well as six marks, five tackles and eight contested possessions.
Leader Reece Conca was an unsung hero for Freo, playing a shutdown role on Dustin Martin, who had 11 disposals, his lowest since 2013.
Mitch Crowden helped impact the scoreboard with two second-half goals while Matt Taberner’s lone major helped extend his streak of being the only AFL player to kick a goal in every possible game so far this season.
Fremantle were well in the contest until Richmond’s four-goal final term, as Freo faltered late after their four-day break.
They will go again in five days taking on Melbourne on Monday at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns.
Is Graham in to stay?
The out-of-contract Tigers midfielder has been in and out of the Richmond midfield this season but is doing a good job to retain his place ahead of this year's finals series. The 2017 premiership player entered the clash averaging 20 disposals in the Tigers' last two games and was again busy against the Dockers with 18 touches and a goal. Rival are watching the 22-year-old closely but he is doing a solid job of holding his spot even with some quality Tigers to return in coming weeks.
Serong strengthens Rising Star claims
Freo youngster Caleb Serong is atop the betting ranks for this year's NAB AFL Rising Star for a reason. He showed why again on Wednesday night against the star-studded Richmond midfield when he was Fremantle's best onballer, gathering 22 disposals and five clearances in a typically hard-working and clever display. The Dockers' No.8 draft pick has been excellent in his debut season.
Solid return for Hogan
The Dockers brought back Jesse Hogan for his first game since round five, but it was difficult circumstances to be a returning player, let alone a target in Fremantle's forward half. Hogan has had another disrupted season with injuries and has even been trialled in defence at scratch match level, but came back as a forward and worked hard to get into the game. He took a couple of impressive contested marks that were reminders of his immense ability and finished with 13 disposals.
RICHMOND 2.2 4.3 4.4 8.8 (56)
FREMANTLE 1.0 1.2 3.4 4.5 (29)
GOALS
Richmond: Lynch 3, Aarts, Graham, Higgins, McIntosh, Riewoldt
Fremantle: Crowden 2, Taberner, Walters
BEST
Richmond: Short, Pickett, Graham, Houli, Lynch, Vlastuin
Fremantle: Acres, Serong, Fyfe, Brayshaw, Cerra
INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
Fremantle: Nil
