Richmond coach Damien Hardwick sees Saturday’s clash with Fremantle at the MCG as a good test for his side, which has an impressive record against the Dockers in recent times. 

In 2013, the Tigers lost a one-point thriller to the Dockers at Patersons Stadium in Round 5, but turned the tables on them at the MCG later in the season.

“Any game against Fremantle is always a tough encounter and we look forward to the challenge.  They’re a really good side,” Hardwick said.”

“Obviously, they’ve got a couple of key players out, really important players in McPharlin and Johnson . . . but we’ll continue to work through that and hopefully get the result.” 

Despite the absence of the Dockers’ key defenders, Hardwick is wary of their all-round depth and expects to face a strong side on Saturday.

“[Alex] Silvagni will probably play and he’s a really good player. Zac Dawson gets the job done week in, week out,” he said.

“They’ve got a really experienced defence. They’ve lost a couple of key players, no doubt about that, but the thing about most good sides is that they bring in capable players to fill those roles, so it’s going to be another great challenge. 

“We’ve just got to continue to fight. That’s what AFL footy is about.”