Fremantle 1.14.12.105 def Richmond 0.10.7.67

Fremantle have run out victors in their match against Richmond, finishing strong and winning by 38 points.

The match was relatively close until the Dockers kicked six of nine last-quarter goals, including a very late flurry, to confirm their second win.

Stars were missing from both sides, with Dockers’ Matthew Pavlich and Aaron Sandilands sitting out – although the latter was sore in the warm-up – while Trent Cotchin and Brett Deledio didn’t make the trip over.

The first quarter was close, with Brad Miller and Jack Riewoldt providing strong targets up forward for the Tigers, who capitalised on Fremantle’s inaccuracy to lead by two at the first break.

It wasn’t to be, however, as Fremantle snatched the lead in the second and maintained it, with some strong performances from Hayden Ballantyne and Lachie Neale and the forward pressure on show. They were able to control the ball more effectively and hit the scoreboard more often because of it.

Dustin Martin was by far the standout player on the ground, however, with 16 first-half disposals. He looks to be getting better with every game and at this rate, is becoming one of the elite players in the competition.

But surprisingly, he was rested for the second half, alongside Riewoldt, who kicked two goals and looked in good nick, and captain Chris Newman, who wasn’t having his best game.

With these interesting tactics from Damien Hardwick it could be suggested that winning wasn’t necessarily the top priority, rather blooding youngsters, but the Tigers came close, drawing within six points in the last quarter.

Richmond’s youth on show were impressive, with first-round draft pick Brandon Ellis proving worthy of early senior selection with 20 disposals. Tom Derickx also impressed in the ruck with 10 hit-outs and a goal, while former Demon Addam Maric and Jeromey Webberley also showed good signs.

For the Dockers, Nat Fyfe kept on going with 25 disposals (14 contested) in another great performance. Also up in the best were Tendai Mzungu, with a game-high 28 disposals. Clancee Pearce was great to watch as he recorded 25 of his own, and Paul Duffield and Adam McPhee were amongst it as well.

Jayden Pitt proved why he was highly rated around draft time with three good goals, while Greg Broughton chipped in with two of his own. Kepler Bradley provided his usual versatility to the Purple Army, with his three goals important.

Goal Kickers

Frem: Broughton (SG), Bradley, Pitt (3), Mellington (2), Mzungu, de Boer, Ballantyne, Mayne, Fyfe, Broughton

Rich: Riewoldt, Nahas (2), Miller, Elton, Vickery, Connors, Maric, Derickx

Best

Frem: Fyfe, Mzungu, Broughton, Neale, Ballantyne

Rich: Tuck, Martin, Webberley, Ellis, Riewoldt

Injuries:

Frem: Aaron Sandilands (general soreness)

Rich: Nil

 

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Margetts, Law, Ritchie, Bannister

Official crowd: 7294 at Patersons Stadium