The undefeated Fremantle Dockers take on the Richmond Tigers, who have won their last three games, in Perth. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 8:10pm (AEST).
The Dockers are cruising at the top of the ladder, setting themselves up for their best tilt ever at the premiership.
It seems likely they will finish in the top two and therefore have the opportunity to play two home finals, meaning they wouldn’t have to travel for a whole month leading up to the grand final in Melbourne.
I’m sure Ross Lyon has this goal in place, and his team is doing everything right at this stage of the season.
The Dockers have a terrific array of players in form, none more so than Nat Fyfe. A betting company has already paid out on Fyfe winning the Brownlow medal, and there seems to be no stopping him. The Tigers have said this week it will take a team effort to contain Fyfe as one man can’t do it alone.
The Dockers defence has stood up this year, with Michael Johnson taking a more tall defence role and this game sees him registering 200 for the Dockers. He has been supported well by Clancee Pearce who is having a breakout year, while Chris Mayne is doing all the defensive tackles that Lyon likes.
Fyfe is being ably assisted in the midfield by David Mundy, and they are being fed the ball on a platter by giant ruckman Aaron Sandilands.
In 2013 the Tigers pushed the Dockers to within a point at Domain Stadium. This result and their overall form in Perth will give them some confidence making the trip over the Nullarbor.
The Tigers dropped games early this season but have recently found their mojo and an upset win here will have them well placed for a finals tilt.
Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin lead the Tigers, joined by youngster Brandon Ellis, who is having a stand-out season. Ivan Maric will be a key in the ruck, nullifying Sandilands’ influence.
However Jack Riewoldt holds the key to Tigers success. Riewoldt is a barometer for the Tigers’ form – if he kicks goals and has a major influence then an upset could eventuate. He will be helped by the return of Ty Vickery, adding to their forward line height.
Prediction
You have to pick the Dockers as they are going so well.
The Tigers play well in Perth, so I’ll settle for a 13 point win to the Dockers.
Will the Dockers continue their winning streak or will the Tigers become the giant killers of the league and hold their spot in the eight with a win? Join The Roar from 8:10pm (AEST) for score updates and debate in our live blog.
13th Man
Guest
the bad part is we didn't use that to our advantage. Sandi on fire but midfield needs to stand up (besides Fyfe obviously who is great)
13th Man
Guest
Not blaming the Umps, we were in fact quite awful and deserved to lose. However the Umpiring from Margetts was terrible. Sandi was absolutely screwed over by Margetts. Probably wouldn't change the result, only lessen the margin but seriously poor umpiring.
Aaron
Guest
Are the tiges a dark horse for the flag this year? only time will tell
Don Freo
Guest
Nup. They get it wrong...and are selective with what they don't show.
Don Freo
Guest
I don't mind the result at all. There are always two sides and one of them has to lose. Margetts, however, has no integrity. If Sandi takes a mark, it's a mark. Margetts should not be operating a handicap system where Richmond can have marks based on effort but Sandi and Pav have to deal with a degree of difficulty.
Don Freo
Guest
Wouldn't have thought so, Nat. Just an analysis. Three frees in front of goal not given as Richmond defenders ducked heads and charged. Margetts didn't get the memo. More likely, he can't read. After all, he can't see.
Don Freo
Guest
Johnno sings really well, Nat.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Meanwhile, Sandilands broke the record for most hitouts to advantage!
Natalie SwansFan
Guest
Or Freo weren't good enough to close the margin and make a game of it....just saying. Worrying sings for Johnson, hopefully that is not a serious tear. Any updates?
jax
Guest
when you meet a team has a bit to do with it. I wouldn't write Sydney off. Tonight shows that no team should feel smug.
Natalie SwansFan
Guest
At least Sydney had a crack ;-)
Balthazar
Guest
Freo always had the Swans measure in that game and kicked away relatively easily. The Tigers akways had Freo's neasure in this game and kept a buffer. Such is football
Slane
Guest
Pretty sure the Video link at the top of this page shows Richmond being screwed by the umps too...
TomC
Roar Guru
I know you're disappointed, but the Dockers couldn't possibly claim to have been hard done by tonight from the umpires.
13th Man
Guest
I think they have looked a bit tired the last couple of games. Losing Spurr and then Johnno did us no good. Anyway still top and have GC next week. Time to give guys like Duffield, Clancee, Sutcliffe and Sheridan a spell on the sidelines. Mzungu, De Boer, Weller and Blakely are cherry ripe.
13th Man
Guest
Well it obviously shows Richmond are better than Sydney then doesn't it? Considering your beloved Swans couldn't get the job done.
13th Man
Guest
We were so far off the boil tonight. You could see it from the start. A few had a red hot go like Ballaz and Fyfe but too many passengers. Hopefully Ross wakes up and realises that guys like Mzungu, De Boer and Weller are better than Sheridan and Duffield.
Slane
Guest
Gold
13th Man
Guest
Its not an excuse, we were disgraceful and deserved to lose however Don is merely pointing out how bad an umpire Dean Margetts is.
Natalie SwansFan
Guest
As a Swans fan, the result was always in doubt. Sydney came from way further behinds giants Freo too close within 3 points. Surely a Freo fan wouldn't suggest Richmond are that superior. A quality side could have come back and won that game. Or at least made it exciting.