Richmond's inability to beat the sides above it has been a valid criticism all season - but no more. While Fremantle was undermanned, the Tigers' response when repeatedly challenged would have most pleased coach Damien Hardwick. The Dockers cut a 22-point margin in the third term to get within eight points nine minutes into the final quarter after kicking the first two goals, but the Tigers rallied and were able to overcome some challenges that would have previously brought them undone.
2. One big out, one big job
Already missing the suspended Matthew Pavlich and injured pair Hayden Ballantyne and Luke McPharlin, the Dockers didn't need any other key omissions for the fifth-versus-sixth clash. But a bout of the flu grounded Aaron Sandilands, leading to a key-position shake-up. Alex Silvagni started forward before he was subbed off in the third quarter, while regular midfielder Tendai Mzungu emerging as an important goal-kicker with three third-term goals. However, Zac Dawson's job against Richmond forward Jack Riewoldt was more significant, even if the Tiger did finish with four goals. Riewoldt managed two in the first quarter goals – one from a free kick and the other after he smothered a kick from Lee Spurr and converted – and two in the last, but he took his first mark for the day in that last quarter as Dawson had the better of their one-on-one contests.
3. The shortest quarter of the season
Hardwick predicted on Thursday that the winning side would score 12 goals and the loser less – and was dead on the money. But he probably didn't expect just six goals scored at half-time, including only one in the second quarter. Turnovers were rife in the slippery conditions and were only magnified by Fremantle's defensive style. The low-scoring second quarter went for just 24min 59sec – the shortest quarter of the season so far and the only to dip below 25 minutes. The previous shortest was a quarter in the Adelaide-St Kilda clash in round eight at AAMI Stadium, which ran for 25.24. Things opened up after the main break with the game producing another 14 goals after a miserly opening half.
4. Milestone man White green no longer
White is the Tigers' go-to substitute player but was spared the green vest for his milestone 100th match with Hardwick opting to start Nathan Foley off instead. When White kicked the only goal of the second quarter goal, he racked up his 50th career major and gave the Tigers some breathing room after the Dockers had reduced a 19-point margin to six. Hardwick paid tribute during the week to the hard-running White, who has had to fight his way to forge an eight-year career. "He's had to do it tougher than most, there's no doubt about that," Hardwick said. "I think he's improved every year he's been here, since I've been here, so we've been really pleased with his output and what he's brought to the footy club."
5. Tiger cubs continue to roar
Recent First-round draft picks Nick Vlastuin and Brandon Ellis had days to remember with 17 and 24 possessions respectively. Vlastuin had a stunning moment in the first quarter when was tunneled by Michael Barlow while taking a mark at half-back, leaving him flat on his back. But the first-year Tiger recovered quickly to take his 50m penalty, delivering to Ivan Maric in the forward 50. Brett Deledio sneaked up behind Maric after running off the bench without his opponent Ryan Crowley knowing, and duly kicked the Tigers' second goal.
