Preview: Fremantle v RichmondWhere and when: Subiaco Oval, Sunday February 15, 6.40pm AWDT
Broadcast: Fox Sports
PRE-SEASON FORM GUIDE
Fremantle: Facing West Coast in its NAB Cup opener for the past three years, Fremantle has advanced comfortably on each occasion by an average of 48 points. Quarter-final losses to Adelaide (2008) and North Melbourne (2007) followed shortly thereafter, while 2006 saw Fremantle push past Collingwood to play eventual winner Geelong in a semi final – losing by 20 points.
Richmond: The Tigers haven't made it past the first round of the NAB Cup for the past three years, losing to St Kilda by 40 points last year, Geelong by 43 points in 2007 and Hawthorn by 10 points in 2006.
PREPARATION
Fremantle: A host of key players missed Fremantle's only intra-club match of the pre-season including Chris Tarrant, Roger Hayden and Antoni Grover. However, the hit-out gave prized draft pick Stephen Hill the chance to shine and Paul Hasleby a drama-free return from knee surgery. Fremantle's pre-season has had a strong fitness focus and more players are now capable of rotating through the midfield.
Richmond: Richmond’s most consistent performers stood out in the side's intra-club match with Nathan Foley, Brett Deledio and Troy Simmonds all impressive. Tyrone Vickery looked good as a back-up ruckman while Matthew Richardson lined up on the wing. New captain Chris Newman says with a healthy list there has been plenty of competition for NAB Cup spots.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Fremantle
Stephen Hill: Heads turned when Hill tore up Fremantle's intra-club match with his pace, refined skills and instinctive play. The No.3 draft pick was guaranteed a NAB Cup berth straight away by coach Mark Harvey, who said he was ready to play but would probably be used predominantly off the interchange bench.
David Mundy: After an impressive pre-season, the skilful utility will captain Fremantle on Sunday in Matthew Pavlich's absence. Always effective off half-back, it will be interesting to see how much time the 23-year-old spends in the midfield and how he handles the leadership role.
Luke McPharlin: Fremantle's swingman will again have a number of roles to fill on Sunday. With Pavlich and Tarrant rested and key forward Adam Campbell injured, McPharlin will be one of few tall forward options, while also being an ideal match-up for Richardson if the Tigers' star lines up forward.
Richmond
Andrew Raines: After being cut down by a dislocated knee in the best shape of his career last season, Raines is determined to bounce back. He's been training since August, so the 22-year-old should be in great shape.
Richard Tambling: After maturing and improving his performance in 2008, Richmond fans are desperate to see Tambling take the next step and have a big influence on matches.
Chris Newman: The ultra-consistent Tiger will captain Richmond for the first time. Newman has always played as a general off half-back, and the added responsibility should work well with his game. But Tiger fans will still be waiting to see how he handles playing in the famous No.17.
SUMMARY
Fremantle has named a young squad – including 11 players yet to debut – in a sign Mark Harvey will manage his list carefully over the pre-season. Pavlich and Tarrant have been rested while Des Headland (shin soreness) is unavailable. The Tigers will be without Kane Johnson, Trent Cotchin, Jordan McMahon and Kayne Pettifer while Mark Coughlan and Graham Polak are working their way back. Ben Cousins' return to footy has somewhat overshadowed a solid pre-season at Punt Road, but the Tigers seem primed for a NAB Cup win over a Fremantle side looking to rest its big names and test out its recent draft picks.
PREDICTION
Richmond 24 points
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