Damien Hardwick will go into this game with few concerns given his nearly fully fit list and the team's raging form, although this will be the Tigers' third game in 13 days, compared to the Dockers' three in 16. It's a difference of just three days, but that could prove significant given the Tigers' unconventional post-Anzac Day Eve recovery period where they had to turn around and play again in just five days. Ross Lyon will have to shuffle the magnets to replace Michael Walters, who will miss multiple weeks with a knee, while the ruck battle between the in-form Toby Nankervis and Aaron Sandilands will be intriguing. While the Tigers will enter as red-hot favourites, history suggests the Dockers' chances shouldn't entirely be dismissed. Lyon's men have won four of the last five MCG encounters between the teams, while bizarrely, the Tigers have snatched the last three in Perth.
WHERE AND WHEN: the MCG, Sunday, May 6, 1.10pm AEST
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R22, 2017, Richmond 25.5 (155) d Fremantle 7.9 (51) at Subiaco Oval
R8, 2017, Fremantle 10.12 (72) d Richmond 10.10 (70) at the MCG
R9, 2016, Richmond 11.17 (83) d Fremantle 6.9 (45) at Subiaco Oval
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 Subiaco Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. Much has been made about the League-wide trend of low scoring, but these two teams are having a crack. The Tigers are the highest-scoring side this season with an average of 105 points per game, while the Dockers are one of few teams to improve in this area from last year with an average of 83 points, up from 73.
2. Having said that, it makes sense both sides are adept at taking the ball inside 50. The Tigers lead the competition with an average of 59.2 a game, while the Dockers are sixth with 54.
3. There was an avalanche of Richmond goals in the round 22 clash last year. The Dockers led by four points at quarter-time before the Tigers piled on 22 goals to four to win by 104 points.
4. Dustin Martin was the star in that game. He polled three Brownlow votes for his 36-disposal, two-goal performance.
5. If the Tigers win, it will be their best start to a season since 1995 when they won their first seven games. If the Dockers get the four points, it will be the second straight season they've started with 4-3.
6. A cracking performance against Collingwood has Nankervis ranked as a "fast climber" in the Official AFL Player Ratings, brought to you by Schick. The ruckman has gone from 89th overall to 65th in the space of a week.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR…
Michael Johnson. The defender backed up Sandilands against West Coast with the veteran ruckman nearing the need for a spell but unable to be rested just yet with the Dockers' young tall brigade ripped apart by injuries. With Nankervis so influential against Collingwood last week, Johnson might need to up the level of his supporting role on Sunday.
PREDICTION: Richmond by 23 points.
