Fremantle v Richmond, Friday Night 8:10pm, Domain Stadium
The Tigers have found a way to kick start their season, looking gone for all money after their Round 6 capitulation to North Melbourne in Tasmania. Successive wins against Collingwood, Port Adelaide and now Essendon have put the club’s season back on track, finishing in the eight at the end of a round for the first time since the season started.
It’s been an even contribution team wide, but it’s interesting to see who’s really stood up in this mini-season revival. Riewoldt, Martin, Cotchin and Maric have all played some good football in these wins, playing with a confidence and leadership that is finally moving this group in the right direction. It’s not that these specifically were at fault for the losses or the regression last season, it’s just that this core group played some great footy in 2012 when the Tigers missed out on the top four by a whisker.
However, the task is not a simple one by any stretch of the imagination.
Fremantle are playing arguably the best football in their history. Manic, classy, driven, focused – Ross Lyon has his team with their eye on the prize come seasons end. They’ve met most of the challenges put to them, and staved off a relentless Adelaide outfit away from home.
It’s very easy to get carried away in these situations by getting ahead of yourself and dropping games you shouldn’t. If the Dockers can pinch the next three or four, they have the jump on everyone else and can start resting some of their older stars before the run home and finals.
Key Match Ups
Trent Cotchin vs Nathan Fyfe
After watching last week’s titanic head to head clash between Dangerfield and Fyfe, will Damien Hardwick attempt to just let Cotchin roam free rather than facilitate a match up? The punters will prefer a head to head battle, but it’s hard to see no tag for currently the best player in the comp.
Shaun Grigg vs Stephen Hill
Both will be looking to get off the chain and cause serious damage for both their clubs. Grigg has had a positive start of the year, slowly making his mark and getting more physical. Will have to be mindful of Hill’s explosive pace though.
Result
As much as the Tigers have improved and confidence is currently on a big high, hard to see them going over there and getting the job done. Freo are due an off game or two eventually, and this is the only chance the Tigers can pinch it. Bar this occurring, it’s likely to be Freo’s night.
Dockers by 32.
Manic, classy, driven, focused: Fremantle's eye on the prize
