Fremantle Dockers travel to the MCG this weekend to take on Richmond Tigers, bounce down at 2.35pm on Saturday.
Fremantle have not been in the best form lately but they gave their supporters a little bit of hope in their win over Carlton last weekend. Freo’s forward line seemed to get their act together a tiny bit and managed to get some goals on the board. Chris Mayne looked like he had found his goal kicking accuracy after slotting 4 goals and 1 point. Matt Pavlich kicked 2 goals but still seems to be struggling in front of goal, kicking 5 points.
Michael Walters had a killer game last week and I think he will be one to watch again this week. Even though he only kicked 1 goal and 3 points, his presence was felt all around the ground and he put in the extra defensive effort whenever he got a chance. Not to mention his incredible mark! Hopefully he can make even more of an impact in the forward line in the absence of Hayden Ballantyne.
Freo could play in front of the largest http://t.co/REnWTKzsJF home and away crowd in club history @MCG #foreverfreo pic.twitter.com/9CrTWP3sRV
— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) July 22, 2015
It still looks like there is a bit of work to be done but Fremantle seemed to gain a bit of their mojo back last week. However, they could have won by far more than 42 points if they were more composed in front of goal. Richmond were the ones who ended the Dockers undefeated streak in round 10 and in the Tigers current form, they could very well get the job done again on Saturday. Dustin Martin inspired the Tigers to a 27 point win last time these two sides met and I think he will be key this weekend as well. I see Martin as the ‘Nat Fyfe’ of the Tigers and his individual contributions will be important, as well as providing support for team mates. Richmond are sitting 5th on the ladder but could very easily be a top 4 side.
Jack Riewoldt will keep Docker’s defender Luke McPharlin’s hands full with his growing confidence in the forward line from week to week. Brett Deledio and Ben Lennon both kicked 3 goals each last week against the Saints and could prove a problem for Fremantle’s back line. If Fremantle can get their forward line set up running smoothly and effectively I think they are in with a chance to win. Neither side can be underestimated and I think it will be a close game.
I’m tipping the Dockers by 7 points.
Talking points
- The loss of Ballantyne should not affect the Dockers forward line performance.
- This will be a statement game for the Tigers who are looking to make the top 4.
- Dockers will need to kick 15+ goals to take down the Tigers.
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