Recent stats suggest that, even though Fremantle are a top four side, Richmond may have the upper hand. For one thing we have the home ground advantage, Fremantle have not won at the MCG since round 4 2007 where they defeated Melbourne 137 - 92.
In their last three encounters Richmond have won two of the three, two played at Subiaco and one at Etihad Stadium. The round 15 clash at Etihad stadium (2010) had seen Richmond get over the line by 19 points with only two men on the bench. Earlier in the season (round 4) had seen the Tigers defeated by 39 points at Subiaco, which as most of you would remember was a team building phase that left Richmond winless to round 10. The story does get better, with Richmond winning the previous clash at Subiaco by 3 points.
Head to head Richmond won 14 to Freo's 10 and it has been 6 wins to 1 in Richmond's favour at the G. The most inspiring news is that the players instrumental in the round 15 win against Freo are also firing this season. With the aid of Shaun Grigg and Bachar Houli in the side as well as the return of possession magnet Nathan Foley, the Tigers are also a much stronger outfit.
The biggest addition to the Tiger team this season is the belief that they can win and with two and a half wins under their belts so far who would disagree? Fremantle have had some success this season but I would question whether they are better than last season. Richmond, however, have improved in leaps and bounds.
Dustin Martin has become instrumental within the team, as some of you may have read in my last blog, but with Nathan Foley returning to form after long periods of being injured will bolster our chances. Robin Nahas and Jake King are showing real determination within the group and producing some inspiring performances.
The club is starting to show real depth all over the ground with a better defensive performance against Brisbane. When Tucky was injured last weekend and Jackson already out, the midfield also proved to have real depth. Our small forwards Nahas, King and Nason adding to the goal tally around spearhead Jack Riewoldt has shown multiple attacking ability and styles.
The game this weekend will present a few headaches with Fremantle and the match ups will be interesting. King could probably play on Ballantyne as a negating role, Deledio on Pavlich and some one on one clashes in the midfield adds up to a mouth watering clash (please add your thoughts in the comment section about match ups I'd really like to hear what you guys think).
Given the recent history between the two clubs the contest will be fairly even so don't expect a blow out either way.
A win to Richmond would be a major confidence booster for the young Tigers. There are exciting times afoot at Tigerland, wins against quality opponents improve the chances of playing finals. With Freo's lack of success against Richmond and at the G, this is the time to strike and take advantage of top teams down on their luck. This week we have Freo and the following week a Bulldogs team that are down on confidence.
The crowd plays a vital role in getting the team up and going, so for all of you who are in Melbourne and want to see the Tigers win, show your colours and cheer the Tiges on this weekend. Expect a tight one, the midfield battle will be intriguing, but if the Tigers can play four hard quarters of footy then expect a tiger win.
