Key posts
Dockers goal… Scores level
Sean Darcy has kicked his first goal of the year and the first for the Dockers today.
Darcy was given a 50m penalty after Mykelti Lefau ran through the mark (or arguably was trying to get out of the way).
Close enough in range, Darcy slotted through the goal with the free.
Scores level.
Richmond v Fremantle at the MCG.Credit: Getty
Lefau kicks off the day
Richmond’s Mykelti Lefau, who is having a huge impact in his first season with the Tigers, has kicked the opening goal of the game, and the afternoon.
Lefau beat out one of the best defenders in the competition in Alex Pearce to take a mark inside 50, and then slot through the set shot.
Good start Tiges.
Richmond by 5.
The game’s subs
For just the third time in his career, dual Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe is starting as the sub for Fremantle.
For Richmond, it’s Kamdyn McIntosh.
We’re off at the MCG
Richmond and Fremantle are underway.
Who the Tigers be able to notch another win this season or will the Dockers be able to sneak into the top eight?
Let’s find out.
‘Mate, that’s not funny’: Bomber Draper cops it sweet
By AAP
Essendon coach Brad Scott says ruckman Sam Draper still has plenty of scope to express his personality and be funny – just not at the expense of an opposition coach.
Draper earned the ire of Essendon and Western Bulldogs officials for his podcast comments in which he questioned the future of Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge
Sam Draper of the Essendon Bombers.Credit: Getty
While imitating a journalist as part of a fun role play, Draper stated some Bulldogs players would request a trade at season’s end if Beveridge stays on as coach.
Beveridge labelled the comments at bizarre, and Scott wasn’t happy either.
“I was really disappointed in Sam, and he’s very, very clear how disappointed I was,” Scott said after Essendon’s thrilling six-point win over West Coast last night.
“He thought he was in an environment where he thought he was being funny, and I said, ‘mate, it’s the furthest thing from funny, it’s disrespectful’.
“Our club has had to fight extremely hard for a long period of time to earn respect back in this competition, and that’s just one thing that eats away at that.
“I was really disappointed in him, but at the same time I see these as opportunities to help educate and work with players. It’s not about hanging him out to dry, but he knows that he did the wrong thing.“
Bombers coach Brad Scott addresses his charges at quarter-time.Credit: AFL Photos
Although Scott wasn’t happy with Draper’s podcast comments, he’s encouraging the 25-year-old to keep being a character – within reason.
“I think the game’s got plenty of room for a bit of colour,” Scott said.
“Drapes adds massive colour. I see a lot of four and five-year-olds running around with mullets with the number two on their back on an Essendon jumper, and it’s fantastic. I love it.
“He’s a very marketable type of guy and he’s a lovable guy. He’s such good fun to be around and such a great club man.
“But there is a line in terms of what is colour and what’s extraversion and what’s disrespectful.“
Draper was a notable absentee from the win over West Coast, with Scott confirming the move was made to rest the ruckman’s sore knee.
“We would have loved him tonight, but we went through a cycle last year with Drapes where we kept playing him and he had a sore knee,” Scott said.
“I just wanted to break that cycle. So provided his knee is fine, he’ll play next week.”
Jye Caldwell is also expected to be fit to take on GWS at Marvel Stadium next Saturday despite being subbed out against West Coast with a tight calf.
Essendon’s 11.11 (77) to 11.5 (71) win over West Coast improved their season record to 5-2-1.
Short returns for Tigers
Richmond will be lifted by the return of their vice-captain Jayden Short, back from a calf injury.
Short became free to compete against Fremantle after completing Friday’s session, with great encouragement from coach Adem Yze on what it’ll mean for the side.
“He’s a spirit-lifter for our footy club and our team. So to have a leader, he’s a vice-captain, a terrific half-back, to be back in our side – we really missed him last week,” said Yze.
“We love his drive off half-back. So to get some good news around the injury front is good for not only us as a club, but our team.
“Our players love playing with him. So we can’t wait to get going.”
Jayden Short of the Tigers leads the team out.Credit: Getty
Who’s your tip, Tigers or Dockers?
The Tigers will be looking to avoid a fourth straight loss, while the Dockers have their sights set on a top eight spot, if they can get the win today.
How do you see this one playing out at the MCG?
Docker Hayden Young embraces taking the middle road
Hayden Young has revealed his move to Fremantle’s midfield was 18 months in the making, and says he’s now loving life alongside Nat Fyfe, Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw.
Young burst onto the AFL scene as a rebounding defender with a lethal left-foot kick.
But his trial as a midfielder late last season was such a success he has now been granted a full-time licence in the position.
Hayden Young of the Dockers.Credit: Getty Images
Young is averaging a career-high 24.9 possessions, 4.3 clearances and 6.4 tackles this season in what is shaping as a standout campaign.
And with Fyfe, Serong and Brayshaw also firing, Fremantle’s midfield has proven a huge strength in their 4-3 start to the year.
Although Young’s switch to midfield duties late last year came as a welcome surprise, it had come after much planning.
“I probably had it in my mind for a while before I transitioned,” Young said ahead of Sunday’s clash with Richmond at the MCG.
“Playing as a high half-back, quite often you go to stoppage meetings.
“I would stay behind and listen to the midfield/centre work bounce stuff.
“I probably had a year-and-a-half of my internship before I actually played midfield.
“So I felt like when I stepped into the role, I knew what I had to do, which meant I could come in and play football, and I didn’t have to stress too much.”
So does Young label himself as a defender or a midfielder now?
“I think I’m officially a midfielder,” he said with a laugh.
“I’m loving it. I’ve got great support around me. When Caleb Serong is having 17 clearances, it makes my job easier.”
Serong’s club-record clearance masterclass in last week’s 24-point win over the Bulldogs was a huge highlight.
But the biggest talking point to come out of the match was the stunning form of Nat Fyfe, who tallied 37 disposals, seven clearances and a goal in his most prolific performance since 2019.
“The best part is he’s not going out there trying to be the best player. He’s just trying to be 2024 Nat Fyfe,” Young said.
“When he’s playing good footy, we all stand taller.”
Fremantle will start warm favourites against injury-hit Richmond (1-6).
The Dockers have been boosted by the return of spearhead Jye Amiss from concussion, forcing last week’s debutant Pat Voss out of the side.
Defender Josh Draper, subbed out last week with a tight hamstring, has been given the green light to play.
Richmond welcome back Jayden Short and Tyler Sonsie, but Jacob Hopper (hamstring) and Jack Graham (hamstring) were ruled out.
AAP
Today’s games
First up it’s Richmond and Fremantle at the MCG. First bounce 1:00pm.
Then, the Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium. First bounce 4.00pm.
And to round out the weekend, it’s the QClash with Brisbane and Gold Coast facing off at the Gabba. First bounce 7.10pm.
Good afternoon
Hello, footy fans, and welcome to today’s AFL live blog.
We’ve got a very big day ahead, all starting with Richmond and Fremantle at the MCG.
Please enjoy the games to come. Let’s get to it.
