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Scott Lockhart reporting for AFANA from Subiaco Oval, Perth. 

Oh to be a Richmond Supporter. Surely there can be no more frustrating role in football.

In the space of one week they have seen their side transform from one that would struggle against any junior side in the country, to another that completed mission impossible by defeating Fremantle at Subiaco Oval by 64 on Sunday. Fremantle, coming off a strong western derby win over the Eagles last week, were no match for a rejuvenated Richmond side that was strongly led around the ground by Mathew Richardson who kicked four goals and created consistent danger and problems for the Dockers. Fremantle now find themselves with one win and three losses, and in extreme danger of losing their season early.

Richmond came into the match the greatest of underdogs but found immediate form with Chris Newman opening the scoring within the opening minute to give the visiting side some much needed confidence. In a quick, hard running beginning to the match, both sides traded goals – and errors – as Richmond continued to frustrate Fremantle by their continual hard work ethic. A sickening head clash between teammates Dean Solomon and Chris Tarrant saw Solomon carried off the ground on a stretcher and Richmond gain further momentum in a contest nobody expected them to be competitive.

A quick double goal to veteran Richmond forward Mathew Richardson saw the Tigers open up a well deserved 14 point lead, which was extended to 20 when former West Coast Eagle Mitch Morton capitalized on Richmond’s dominance of the center clearances to kick another and put increased pressure on Fremantle. Graham Polak, playing against his former team, had the chance to extend this lead to beyond four goals but amazingly missed a simple set shot from 20 meters out directly in front of goal. Chris Mayne made Richmond pay for their forward line mistakes as his strong mark and goal reduced the margin to 15 points at the first change.

Richmond coach Terry Wallace made the first surprise of the second term by starting Richardson in defense, but it seemed to work as the Tiger forward proved more than capable in taking an early strong mark as the Dockers surged forward. Another quick opening goal to the Tigers from Morton was quickly undone by a piece of slack, unaccountable defense from Richmond that allowed Fremantle goal sneak Jeff Farmer to walk into an open goal to once again reduce the margin. Both sides again traded goals as the match appeared to be turning in the Dockers favor as their momentum and run began to create concerns for Richmond for the first time in the match.

Yet as has become a custom of recent Fremantle performances, they could not sustain their forward drive and their opponents made them pay. Goals to Nathan Brown, Richardson and Chris Hyde opened up a well deserved lead for the Tigers, yet they were unable to capitalize on their significant amount of chances in a dominant performance.

Yet another stunning to start to a quarter by the Tigers saw them full of run and pressure, with Brown kicking his second goal and Jordan McMahon his first to blow Fremantle away early in the second half to have their lead out to 40 points. The Dockers continued to struggle against a more committed and desperate Richmond side that exposed Fremantle’s lack of run and movement through the middle of the ground. Pavlich appeared to give Fremantle some hope midway through the third term as he goaled to reduce the margin to within six goals, but yet again they could not capitalize on their momentum and forward line pressure as Richmond goaled twice to extend their lead to a game high 46 points. A late goal from Ryan Crowley reducing the deficit to 40 points with a quarter to play.

It was Fremantle who started the better of the two teams in the final quarter with Peter Bell giving some hope to his side’s frustrated fans, reducing the margin to within six goals. But again it was Richmond who was able to rebound and create extra pressure on their opponents. The game was virtually sealed for last years bottom placed team after Richardson, now with four goals, and Shane Edwards goaled in quick succession. Further goals to Tambling, Hyde and Tuck ending the most stunning of performances and upsets.

Next week Richmond return to Melbourne for another tough task against the unbeaten Western Bulldogs at the Telstra Dome on Sunday, while Fremantle travel to Adelaide for a crucial clash with the Crows at AAMI stadium on Saturday afternoon.


Final Score:
FREM: 3.3 6.7 8.9 10.12 10.13 (73)
RICH: 5.7 10.11 14.13 10.12 20.17 (137)
Best:
Frem: Bell, Corwley, Pavlich
Rich: Johnson, Richardson, Symonds
Goals:
Frem: Pavlich 3, McPharlin 2, Bell Crowley Farmer Mayne Tarrant 1
Rich: Richardson 4, Tambling 3, Brown Morton 2, Deledio Edwards McMahon Newman Polak Tuck 1 
Umpires: Fila, Ellis, Keating
Injuries: Nil
Reports: Nil
Crowd: 37, 541 at Subiaco Oval, Perth

 

Article last changed on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 - 2:30 PM EDT


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