Despite not having recorded a win this season, a string of close results and strong performances by Richmond has Senior Coach Chris Connolly believing they will be tough opposition when the teams meet this Sunday at Subiaco Oval.
Speaking to the media ahead of training on Wednesday, Connolly said the Tigers shaped as a dangerous outfit and would not be underestimated.
“We’re treating Richmond like they’re the premiership team,” Connolly said.
“They’re on top of the ladder – they’re the premiership team. All efforts are going into them and winning that game.
“They have played really well the last three weeks and have been stiff to not have won those three games."
Richmond were unfortunate to go down to Adelaide by nine points in Round 8 and to Essendon by eight points in Round 9 before picking up its first points of the season last week when they drew with Brisbane at Telstra Dome.
Fremantle has relished the nine day break between last Friday’s clash against Collingwood and Sunday’s fixture against the Tigers. The team has enjoyed the extended recovery between matches but has balanced the break by adding an extra training session to preparations.
Connolly said the team felt no added pressure ahead of Sunday’s match.
“We go into all Subiaco games as favourites and we expect to win those games too,” Connolly said.
“We’re very difficult to beat there when our game is on.
“We have got to make sure our game is on and make sure that we execute our style of play to the best of our ability.”
Chris Tarrant did not train today due to a virus and, in accordance with club policy, was told to stay at home. He will resume training tomorrow when the team has its closed session.
Jeff Farmer was also absent from training as he recovers from concussion sustained during the Foundation Day derby at East Fremantle Oval. He is also expected to resume with the squad for tomorrow’s session.
Sitting second on the AFL leading goal kicker table, Matthew Pavlich’s 31 majors for the season have confirmed him as one of the elite forwards in the competition. And although he was uncharacteristically offline on Friday, Connolly expected his skipper to turn it around on Sunday.
“Matthew Pavlich practices his goal kicking as much as anyone and we’ve actually got to pull him back from not overloading in that area,” Connolly said.
“That’s why he’s been the best and most accurate kick for goal amongst all the forwards in the AFL over the last three years.
“He’ll bounce back in that area. We’re looking forward to it.”
The club has not ruled out a possible return to football this season for Justin Longmuir. The 26 year old was placed on the long term injury list with a knee injury and has visited Melbourne and Sydney for appointments with specialists in a bid to overcome the injury.
“We want the best medical consultants to really help develop his programme but we’re confident and hopeful he’ll come back and play for Fremantle at some stage,” Connolly said.
“Hopefully (it will be) this year but, again, we’re gathering information in due diligence and we’ll make a calculated decision in the best interests of Justin, firstly, and the club of course.
“He’s a great competitor and a great person. He’s a terrific leader around here.”
Bouncedown on Sunday is 2.40pm (WST). The match will be telecast live nationally on FOX Sports 1 and into regional WA on GWN. Channel Seven's coverage into WA commences from 3.00pm local time.
