Richmond have skilled their deal with retaining Fremantle’s star defenders grounded main into their round-13 AFL conflict at Optus Stadium.
The Dockers (6-5) have thrust themselves again into premiership calculations with a surprising four-match successful streak that included a win over Melbourne on the MCG.
Defenders Alex Pearce, Hayden Young, Brennan Cox and Luke Ryan have performed a key function in Fremantle’s success, with their intercept marking and rebound proving essential.
Richmond utility Liam Baker, who might play up ahead towards the Dockers, stated his group should prohibit the affect of Fremantle’s star-studded defence.
“You can’t just be letting their backs fly. We won’t be doing that,” Baker advised reporters on Friday.
“We’re going to keep them accountable. They’ll be keeping ours as well.
“We simply need to play 5 per cent higher than we’ve been.
“We’ve been going alright … but (Fremantle) are flying at the moment.”
The Dockers shall be with out ruckman Sean Darcy (hamstring) and midfielder Jaeger O’Meara (suspension) of their quest to submit a fifth-straight win.
Darcy’s absence means Luke Jackson will tackle the lead ruck function, with ahead Josh Treacy his back-up.
Last week’s sub Sam Sturt has been included within the 22 to play a full-time ahead function, whereas winger Liam Henry additionally is available in.
Midfielder Will Brodie, who has been in scorching type within the WAFL, could not be thought of for a senior recall after injuring his ankle at coaching.
Richmond welcome again defender Nick Vlastuin (corked leg) however lose Noah Cumberland (calf).
The Tigers notched their first win underneath interim coach Andrew McQualter final week once they edged previous GWS by six factors.
With 4 wins, one draw and 7 losses to their identify, Thirteenth-placed Richmond must beat Fremantle to maintain their faint finals hopes flickering.
Baker will notch his a hundredth AFL sport on Saturday, and the Perth-born utility shall be doing it in entrance of household and pals.
“It just makes it extra special,” he stated.
“We’ll have the family down in the rooms.
“It’s going to be an excellent weekend, and if we are able to get the ‘W’ as nicely, it will likely be excellent.”
While he will enjoy having his family around him at Optus Stadium, the 2018 rookie draft pick has no plans to leave Richmond and return home to Perth.
“I at all times considered it (returning residence), however the actuality is I adore it at Richmond,” he stated.
“It’s an excellent membership to be at. The boys are wonderful, the membership itself are wonderful.
“I’m happy with where I’m at.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
