FREMANTLE 3.4 7.8 10.12 13.16 (94)
RICHMOND 2.3 5.4 8.4 11.6 (72)
Fremantle have all but secured a place in the finals with a 22 point over Richmond at Patersons Stadium yesterday.
The win was soured by several injury scares to captain Matthew Pavlich, but they appeared to be nothing more than protective measures as the Dockers held a comfortable margin throughout the match.
Big man Aaron Sandilands made a surprising and successful return to the lineup after being named an emergency on Thursday night. Sandilands finished with 33 tap outs and 15 contested possessions.
The Tigers may not have been pleased with the appearance of Sandilands on the field, but Fremantle coach Ross Lyon claimed the late change was genuine, with Jonathan Griffin complaining of an injured groin in the warm up.
Sandilands had been missing from the Dockers’ side since round 11, so his return is a massive positive for a side now a game clear in eighth position.
Hayden Ballantyne and Pavlich kicked three goals each for the Dockers whilst David Mundy impressed in the midfield, with 32 touches, 13 of which were contested and five clearances.
The loss officially ends the Tigers chances of making the finals, leaving supporters to rue the costly losses that the Tigers had every chance to win. They will look forward to next season with optimism however, with stars like Trent Cotchin (32 disposals) continuing to show their value on a weekly basis.
Votes
3 Duffield
2 Mundy
1 Ballantyne
GOALS
Fremantle: Pavlich 3, Ballantyne 3, De Boer 2, Hill, Mayne, Mzungu, Walters, Bradley
Richmond: King 3, Riewoldt 2, Deledio 2, Nahas, White,Edwards, O’Hanlon
BEST
Fremantle: Duffield, Ballantyne, Mundy, Barlow, Sandilands, McPharlin
Richmond: Cotchin, King, Tuck, Grigg, Martin, White
INJURIES
Fremantle: Jon Griffin (groin) replaced in selected side by Aaron Sandilands, Mzungu (shoulder), Pavlich (corked leg)
Richmond: Griffiths (concussion)
SUBSTITUTES
Fremantle: Zac Dawson replaced by Nick Suban at three-quarter time
Richmond: Ben Griffiths (concussion) replaced by Brett O’Hanlon during the second quarter
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Margetts, Findlay, McInerney
Official crowd: 32,721 at Patersons Stadium
