The cyclone didn’t arrive, but the dam wall still broke as Fremantle ran over the top of Richmond with a dominant second half to win by 60 points at Optus Stadium
For a long time, it looked like Cyclone Narelle had still managed to destroy a game of footy despite the wind and rain staying away for most of the day, but Fremantle’s experience stood out after half-time as they won 13.25 (103) to 6.7 (43).
They kicked eight unanswered goals and the margin could have been huge if the Dockers had kicked straight. Fremantle equalled the most behinds they have ever kicked in one game of footy.
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So it wasn’t pretty. Dockers fans won’t be rushing to watch the replay. But they would be thrilled that Jye Amiss found form with 2.3, Josh Treacy was a constant threat with four goals and Fremantle worked out the best way to get the most damage out of Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy as they won the hit outs 57-9. The Dockers won the clearances 17-9 in the second half.
Shai Bolton and Caleb Serong had big days, Bolton had 33 disposals while Serong produced 32 possessions, nine clearances and two goals.
Fremantle had 19 inside 50s during the third term and booted 5.9 as they piled on the pressure and showed what is possible this season. The second half inside 50s were a whopping 32-14.
But it took a first half of frustration to get there.
It started early when a pass inside 50 landed at the feet of Amiss instead of hitting him on the chest, Murphy Reid had an uncharacteristic fumble, Treacy kicked into the man on the mark across half-back and then missed a regulation set shot from 40 metres.
Andrew Brayshaw Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Brennan Cox and Alex Pearce spoiled each other in defence and there were numerous other unusual situations from the Dockers before Amiss finally kicked their first goal after nearly 18 minutes.
But Fremantle still couldn’t capitalise. Darcy won a free kick for holding the ball against Sam Lalor and then turned the ball over. Jackson had a chance to kick a goal in the forward pocket, but was caught in two minds about what to do with the footy and dribbled it through for a point.
Fremantle even won two free kicks for holding the ball against Maurice Rioli, but went to quarter time with 1.5 on the board and a lead of only eight points.
It wasn’t raining but it was wet and that’s often the most difficult conditions for players to adjust to.
Shai Bolton Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Richmond’s first goal came early in the second term after Sam Switkowski made an error at half-forward and then Lalor won a big contest in the centre square.
The Dockers were dominating the ruck but weren’t getting rewards from their clearances. Richmond’s midfield was doing a great job of reading hit outs from Jackson and Darcy.
The game was crying out for some composure. Treacy controlled the air and finally got some reward with a goal.
Isaiah Dudley ran down Sam Banks and kicked another to give the home team a 10-point lead. But Richmond were playing well.
Lalor was having a big game and WA’s Steely Green was dangerous inside 50. His second goal, after a 50m penalty, gave Richmond reward for effort.
Josh Treacy Credit: Janelle St Pierre/AFL Photos/via Getty Images
Fremantle just couldn’t get going. Reid had Switkowski and Amiss in space but gave the bal straight to Luke Trainor, then Bolton and Amiss missed more shots. It was messy footy.
It got uglier for the Dockers when Mykelti Lefau smashed Jordan Clark in a tackle to set up Green;s third goal of the term. Now scores were level. And it looked even worse when Taranto gave the Tigers the lead.
Fremantle were crying out for someone to stand up. The game changes when Darcy’s brilliant hit out gave Serong a goal late in the second quarter. Then Treacy converted a shot on the siren to give the Dockers a six-point lead at the long break.
Those moments showed them the way they needed to play and set up the big second half.
Luke Jackson. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Campbell Gray gave away a high tackle to Jackson in the ruck and he kicked the goal. Bolton’s skill lit up the game as his one handed pick up stood out as a rare moment of brilliance in what had been a slog of a day.
He hit Amiss on the lead and this time he converted. Now it was a 20-point lead.
The Tigers were under pressure and that grew as Jackson and Darcy started hitting the ball to space at stoppages instead of keeping it in tight. That tactical change opened up the game.
Amiss set up a goal for Matthew Johnson and when Pat Voss nailed another, Fremantle had doubled Richmond’s score. The only question that remained was the margin and it was an emphatic 10 goals.
