SUMMARY
Back-to-back losses and an extensive injury list have Richmond on unsteady ground for the first time this season as the glow of a 5-0 start begins to fade. The Tigers are still playing good football and they could easily have walked away with the four points in a thrilling five-point loss to the Western Bulldogs in round seven. But they didn't, despite holding a 32-point lead in the second quarter, and they won't be at full strength against a Fremantle team that has turned its season around. While the Tigers' success this year has been based on a new attacking game style, the Dockers' has been built around youth. Ross Lyon's men have won four of their past five games, their latest an impressive 37-point win against Essendon at Domain Stadium. Three of those four wins have come at home, making Sunday's match at the MCG a significant test of their progress, as well as Richmond's.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday, May 14, 1.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R9, 2016, Richmond 11.17 (83) d Fremantle 6.9 (45) at Domain Stadium
R17, 2015, Fremantle 12.10 (82) d Richmond 10.18 (78) at the MCG
R10, 2015, Richmond 15.7 (97) d Fremantle 10.10 (70) at Domain Stadium
R13, 2014, Fremantle 16.9 (105) d Richmond 12.13 (85) at the MCG
R17, 2013, Richmond 12.12 (84) d Fremantle 8.9 (57) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Fremantle struggled against the Tigers when they last met, kicking just two first half goals on their way to a 38-point loss at home. Trent Cotchin (39 possessions and 10 clearances) and Dustin Martin (30 and six inside 50s) starred, with Martin picking up the three Brownlow votes.
2. Richmond has been a strong contested possession team in 2017 and ranks equal second (149.3 a game), while the Dockers have struggled in this category and rank 16th (136.6).
3. The Tigers advantage could be in their tackling power, ranking No.3 with 72.6 a game, compared to the Dockers (18th at 53.9 a game). It's been a terrific turnaround after the Tigers ranked last for overall tackles in 2016.
4. In Richmond’s favour is their record against Fremantle at the MCG, holding an 8-4 advantage overall. The Dockers have won three of the last four, however, including a four-point thriller when they last met at the venue.
5. Fremantle’s defensive effort has returned in recent weeks. In the opening two rounds they conceded 130 points a game, but in the four matches since they have conceded just 84 points a game.
6. Richmond forward Dan Butler has cracked the top 500 in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, climbing from No.575 overall in round one to No.500 after finding his niche in a dangerous small forward line.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Toby Nankervis
The Tigers ruckman has been superb at his new club but he cost the Tigers by earning a one-match suspension last week. He's back and up against Aaron Sandilands in a critical match-up. Nankervis has carried a heavy ruck load this season and thrived on it. He'll likely be given the same challenge on Sunday and if he can exploit Sandilands around the ground it will go a long way to a Tigers' win.
PREDICTION: Richmond by 15 points
