Richmond’s first interstate trip of the season has arrived, with a Saturday afternoon clash against Fremantle at Optus Stadium looming.
Here are some burning questions which could determine the result of the game.
How does strong and exciting VFL form carryover for Tiger inclusions?
Of the four inclusions for the Tigers this week, three of them are coming off standout performances in the VFL season opener last week.
Jasper Alger booted five goals in the win over Southport, while Luke Trainor and Campbell Gray’s influence was profound, and all three players have important roles to play on Saturday.
Alger will be looking to bring his goal sense and danger around the big sticks to Optus Stadium, to help Richmond get stronger rewards inside forward 50.
Trainor’s smart decision making, both with and without the ball, will be vital in defence, while Gray has been named to start in the ruck due to the absence of Toby Nankervis.
All three players shined in the VFL and excitement is high to see what they can bring to Perth this weekend.
Key forward Jonty Faull is the fourth inclusion, returning from suspension.
How does Richmond slowdown fast Fremantle?
The Dockers have been playing fast to begin 2026, and the danger has been evident.
Fremantle is averaging 465 metres gained via handballs this season, a huge jump from the 232 it averaged last year, which illustrates how Justin Longmuir’s game style has changed in the early stages of the campaign (stats via Fox Footy).
Coach Adem Yze is aware of the damaging Dockers and knows the Tigers will need to be on their game to stop them.
“You’re looking at the speed of offence, they’ve shifted a little bit, they’re trying to go a lot faster, as every team is,” Yze said.
“They’ve started both games really strongly…a lot of that (is due to) speed from their back end.
“Their halfbacks are in really good form, they’ve got a strong midfield and obviously their forwards, they’ve got some big boys to deal with down there.
“On our (forward) entries, we need to make sure they don’t get speed of ball movement from the back half.”
Will the weather make a difference?
Tropical Cyclone Narelle’s impact across Western Australia could mean wet weather footy for the Tigers and Dockers on Saturday.
Rain and wind can often cause chaos on a football field, but it will also bring skill execution into focus, as the classiest players oftentimes standout amongst the rest in wet conditions.
The team, and players, that adjust and adapt to the conditions quickest will no doubt have an advantage, which could have a significant say on the result.
