Tigers aim to keep Fremantle's high-flyers groundedJustin Chadwick
AAP
June 9, 2023 5:47PMRichmond have trained their focus on keeping Fremantle's star defenders grounded leading into their round-13 AFL clash at Optus Stadium.
The Dockers (6-5) have thrust themselves back into premiership calculations with a stunning four-match winning streak that included a win over Melbourne at the MCG.
Defenders Alex Pearce, Hayden Young, Brennan Cox and Luke Ryan have played a key role in Fremantle's success, with their intercept marking and rebound proving crucial.
Richmond utility Liam Baker, who could play up forward against the Dockers, said his team must restrict the influence of Fremantle's star-studded defence.
"You can't just be letting their backs fly. We won't be doing that," Baker told reporters on Friday.
"We're going to keep them accountable. They'll be keeping ours as well.
"We just have to play five per cent better than we have been.
"We've been going alright ... but (Fremantle) are flying at the moment."
The Dockers will be without ruckman Sean Darcy (hamstring) and midfielder Jaeger O'Meara (suspension) in their quest to post a fifth-straight win.
Darcy's absence means Luke Jackson will take on the lead ruck role, with forward Josh Treacy his back-up.
Last week's sub Sam Sturt has been included in the 22 to play a full-time forward role, while winger Liam Henry also comes in.
Midfielder Will Brodie, who has been in hot form in the WAFL, couldn't be considered for a senior recall after injuring his ankle at training.
Richmond welcome back defender Nick Vlastuin (corked leg) but lose Noah Cumberland (calf).
The Tigers notched their first win under interim coach Andrew McQualter last week when they edged past GWS by six points.
With four wins, one draw and seven losses to their name, 13th-placed Richmond need to beat Fremantle to keep their faint finals hopes flickering.
https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/afl/tigers-aim-to-keep-fremantles-high-flyers-grounded-c-10930061