Australian Football

Match Report

Though it has been firmly entrenched in the top eight for much of season 2013, Richmond on Sunday gave the best indication yet that it is deserving of a place in this year's finals with a hard-fought win over top-four contenders Fremantle on Sunday at the MCG.

The Tigers kicked the first three goals of the match to jump away to an early lead and then withstood several fightbacks from the Dockers to record a highly meritorious 27-point win. A criticism of the club throughout this year has been the fact that it had not beaten any side other top-eight side, with the exception of eight-placed Port Adelaide, but this performance indicates that Richmond is capable of "mixing it with the big boys", at least during the home and away season.

More will be revealed in this regard over the coming fortnight, as Damien Hardwick's men face the challenge of last year's Grand Finalists Sydney and Hawthorn in consecutive weeks.

But on Sunday, the Tigers did all that could be asked of them. After kicking the initial three goals, they were subject to Ross Lyon's traditional lock-down tactics, and although this restricted Richmond to a lower than average score, the team was able to adapt to the defensive style of player and restrict the Dockers to just eight goals for the match.

The victory was set up Trent Cotchin (34 disposals and a goal), a fine defensive effort from Alex Rance (while picking up 30 touches) and Brandon Ellis (24 possessions). The Dockers, who it must be said were without Aaron Sandilands and skipper Matthew Pavlich, were well served by Tendai Mzungu (three goals, 21 touches) and Ryan Crowley, who did a fine job in containing Brett Deledio to just 15 touches.

Fremantle now finds itself a game plus considerable percentage away from the top four but, with a month of winnable games to come against Adelaide, Carlton, GWS and Melbourne, still has a strong prospect of securing a double chance.

MATCH FACT: Richmond's win represented the first occasion that Ross Lyon has coached a losing side against the Tigers.

GOALS
Richmond: Riewoldt 4; Deledio, White, Martin, King, S. Edwards, Vickery, Cotchin, Jackson
Fremantle: Mzungu 3; Mayne 2; Walters, Silvagni, de Boer

BEST - SPORTAL.COM.AU
Richmond: Rance, Cotchin, Martin, Chaplin, Jackson, Riewoldt, Ellis
Fremantle: Mzungu, Fyfe, Mundy, Crowley, Dawson, Johnson, Walters

BEST - AFL.COM.AU
Richmond: Cotchin, Rance, Ellis, Vlastuin, Jackson, S Edwards
Fremantle: Mzungu, Crowley, Dawson, Clarke, Johnson, Fyfe, Mundy

COACHES' COMMENTS
Damien Hardwick (Rich): We did things pretty well all day, albeit there were a few skill errors along the way. Through a skill error here and there we allowed them to get back into it. We said in the media that the side that made the least number of mental errors would win and we were fortunate enough to be that side today.

Ross Lyon (Frem): It was a frustrating day. The Tigers were pretty good. We slaughtered the ball a bit when we had some golden opportunities, particularly in the first half. They pantsed us around the stoppages. At the end of the day we were beaten in the midfield. Their weight of numbers and some dominant tap-out stuff put us on the back foot.

SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Matt Arnot substituted out for Nathan Foley in the third quarter
Fremantle: Alex Silvagni substituted out for Cam Sutcliffe in the third quarter

UMPIRES: Donlon, McBurney, Stewart