SUMMARY
The Tigers continue to impress by racking up wins despite not playing their best football. Their 16-point victory over St Kilda on Sunday came despite a flat last quarter where the Saints were allowed to boot six unanswered goals and destroy the Tigers' three-quarter time 52-point lead. They've now won eight of their last nine games. Meanwhile, the Dockers have lost a few players to injury recently, including Hayden Ballantyne to a season-ending pectoral complaint, but are still riding high on top of the table. They've lost just two games this season, which includes their round 15 belting at the hands of Hawthorn, but remain one game clear of crosstown rivals West Coast on the ladder.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, July 25, 4.35pm AEDT
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R10, 2015, Richmond 15.7 (97) d Fremantle 10.10 (70) at Subiaco Oval
R13, 2014, Fremantle 16.9 (105) d Richmond 12.13 (85) at the MCG
R17, 2013, Richmond 12.12 (84) d Fremantle 8.9 (57) at the MCG
R5, 2013, Fremantle 12.9 (81) d Richmond 12.8 (80) at Subiaco Oval
R21, 2012, Fremantle 13.16 (94) d Richmond 11.6 (72) at Subiaco Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Tigers stunned the Dockers earlier this season with an eight-goal first quarter and 12 goals to five before the main break, which led to Ross Lyon's men suffering their first loss for the season.
2. Dustin Martin was the star of the night with 34 disposals, eight marks and one goal.
3. Since that night, the Tigers have won five of six games and have kicked an average score of over 83 points. In comparison, the Dockers have won four games with an average of over 70.
4. The Dockers are the second-ranked clearance side in 2015 averaging 42.8 per game, while the Tigers are ranked equal 15th with 36.2 per game.
5. Richmond has dominated Fremantle at the MCG with eight wins from 11 contests, but the Dockers have hit back in recent years to win two of the last three.
6. While plenty of Dockers have trailed off in recent weeks, Chris Mayne has improved his standing on the Official AFL Player Ratings from 186 in round 15 to 163 overall going into this round.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Shaun Hampson.
With Ty Vickery due back next week, Hampson has another chance to impress as the second ruck option after being handed more responsibility against the Saints on Sunday with Ivan Maric playing forward. The challenge doesn't come much bigger than Aaron Sandilands, and Hampson will be keen to stand out.
PREDICTION: Richmond by 12 points.
