While Richmond have given a hint of a brighter future on the horizon, Fremantle coach Mark Harvey has been left considering what he has got himself into after the Tigers embarrassed the Dockers by 64 points yesterday.
In a significant win at the selection table, in the coaching box and on the ground, Richmond dominated and eventually demoralised the Dockers, to run out 20.17 (137) to 10.13 (73) victors at Subiaco Oval.
And with Tigers spearhead Matthew Richardson deployed to a wing with devastating effect — kicking four goals, collecting 25 possessions and taking 15 marks — coach Terry Wallace said the move that won the day was also a nod to what lies in store.
“As much as it was about them planning for him to play forward, it was also about our own future,” Wallace said.
“Matthew is 33, playing fantastic and did so again today, but we have also got to find out whether we have got key position players that can hold down positions for the future of the footy club.
“It is not easy to do that when a team becomes one dimensional, and we are so used to going to Matthew we asked him if he could take up a challenge of another role.
“He took it on, which I admire him for, because it is not easy to do when you have done one role for the whole of your life and 15 years into a campaign.”
Despite Fremantle not having travelled for three weeks, it was Harvey’s troops who wilted in the 30-degree temperatures, with Kane Johnson (36 possessions), Nathan Foley (seven scoring assists) and Jordan McMahon (32 possessions) running the Dockers ragged.
Only Dockers skipper Matthew Pavlich (three goals) and Luke McPharlin (two goals) posed any consistent threat, with Graham Polak posted forward to good effect and Will Thursfield and Jay Schulz impressive in the Tigers defence.
Wallace said a deliberate ploy to pick smaller running players for a hot day on the wide expanses of Subiaco had been vindicated during the warm-up.
“When I walked out during the pre-match warm up I was quite surprised at how big their side is, it is a massive team,” Wallace said.
“We spoke to our guys and said it has got to be the giants vs the runners, and that is the way we set up – and on this ground normally you would say running is the way to go.”
As Peter Bell’s achievement of equalling Wayne Richardson’s record as the West Australian with most games in the AFL/VFL was overshadowed, Harvey was blunt in describing his side’s effort.
“Non-competitive,” Harvey said.
“We just let Richmond far too easily get uncontested marks, quick ball movement and easy goals. If you let a freeway happen after a clearance like we did today, you have got no hope.”
Harvey said after the capitulation more players were in the firing line, following the dumping of veterans Heath Black and Matt Carr after the win against West Coast last week.
“There will be, and I won’t name them … they will certainly know internally their positions in the side, and I would expect three or four changes this week, maybe even more,” Harvey said.
“I did get (angry). As much as I like to encourage and compliment players when they do something right, there is a time when you need to express yourself vigorously. And I did that.”
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
Surely this had to be recalled!
Brian Taylor was adamant Harry McKay should have been paid a 50m penalty after marking near goal - and he definitely could have used…
West Coast coach Adam Simpson has rubbish a bizarre claim that the Eagles and Fremantle are at 'no disadvantage' by having to regularly travel…
It’s simple for the Saints – if you have the money, spend it. Rumours of the club putting forward a $12 million, eight-year deal…
Absolutely unnecessary from Dunstall!
