Key posts
Umpire leaves field after contact with player
AFL Paul Rebeschini has been subbed off the ground after stepping back into the path of Richmond’s Jayden short.
Rebeschini went to ground after the contact, which was accidental, but got back to his feet hastily.
He has since left the field.
GOAL: Tigers get nose in front in high scoring first quarter
Tyler Sonsie has kicked a goal from 50 meters out.
Fremantle turned the footy over in dangerous territory, which saw Sonsie get a chance 50 meters out, after taking a mark from Nick Vlastuin.
Richmond 4.1 (25) Fremantle 3.1 (18) with 9 minutes remaining in Q1.
GOAL: Treacy gets kicks two more
Josh Treacy has kicked consecutive goals to bring his total to three already in this game.
His second came from a set shot after taking an uncontested mark after Shai Bolton spotted him up. Richmond’s Ben Miller though Treacy played on and complained to the umpire, who awarded the Dockers a 50m penalty.
His third goal was from a contested grab and continued accuracy in front of goal.
Richmond 3.1 (19) Fremantle 3.1 (19) with 13 minutes remaining in Q1.
Back to back goals for the Tigers
Kamdyn McIntosh has kicked a goal after running into space in the Tigers’ forward half.
Within seconds Richmond worked the ball from full back into their forward line to take the lead.
Then Maurice Rioli Jr – in his season debut – converted off a set shot after taking a contested mark to push the Tigers in front.
Richmond 3.0 (18) Fremantle 1.1 (7) with 15 minutes remaining in Q1.
GOAL: Freo even it up
Fremantle’s Josh Treacy has kicked a straightforward set shot after taking a mark over Richmond’s Nathan Broad, to even up the score early in the first quarter.
Richmond 1.0 (6) Fremantle 1.0 (6) with 18 minutes remaining in Q1.
GOAL: Tigers strike early
Richmond has scored the first goal of the game within the first 30 seconds.
Maurice Rioli Jr expertly roved the ball inside the forward half and kicked a quick goal.
Richmond 1.0 (6) Fremantle 0.0 (0)
When will Noah Balta return?
By Angus Delaney and AAP
Richmond defender Noah Balta could make his AFL comeback just three days before his sentencing in a NSW court for assault.
Balta’s four-game AFL ban has expired but the Tigers have sent the premiership backman to VFL ranks to find match touch.
The club and the AFL have received criticism, including from Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, at the prospect of Balta returning before receiving his sentence.
But Richmond coach Adem Yze says not selecting Balta for an immediate AFL return had nothing to do with his April 22 court sentencing.
“He’s going down to play VFL footy to get in form and warrant selection,” Yze told reporters on Saturday at Glenelg Oval in Adelaide.
“If he plays well enough, then we’ll talk about that next week.”
Balta pleaded guilty to assault over this attack outside the Mulwala Water Ski Club on the NSW-Victoria border.
Both sides unchanged
Bolton to lead X-factor attack against old Tigers mates
Fremantle forward Michael Frederick has described Shai Bolton as one of his idols as his side prepares to unleash a four-pronged mosquito fleet against struggling Richmond.
The Dockers’ recruitment of ex-Tiger Bolton has added further X-factor to a forward line already featuring excitement machines Frederick, Sam Switkowski and Michael Walters.
Shai Bolton of the Dockers marks the ball.Credit: Getty Images
Walters is yet to play this season due to a knee injury, but the recent emergence of Isaiah Dudley, who has kicked three goals in his two AFL games, has helped fill the void.
Switkowski’s return from an adductor strain against Richmond in Adelaide on Sunday means Fremantle will unleash Bolton, Switkowski, Dudley and Frederick in the same side for the first time this season.
The quartet will be aiming to feast at the feet of key forwards Josh Treacy, Jye Amiss and Patrick Voss in what shapes as a major nightmare for Richmond’s defenders.
“It’s very refreshing to have someone like Bolton in our forward line,” Frederick said ahead of Bolton’s match against Richmond, where he won two flags.
“I’ve watched Bolts for a long time now, and he’s been an idol of mine.
“To have him here and working close with him helps me step up in my game as well.”
Fremantle (2-2) lost Luke Jackson (hamstring), Nathan O’Driscoll (ankle) and Corey Wagner (calf) from the side that beat the Western Bulldogs last week.
Ruckman Sean Darcy (ankle/knee) and Hayden Young (hamsring) have been given the green light to return for their first AFL games of the season, while Switkowski is also back.
Richmond opted against selecting Noah Balta, who has served his AFL ban but still has to face court next week after pleading guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
First-year key forward Jonty Faull will debut for Richmond, while Maurice Rioli and Hugo Ralphsmith were recalled in place of injured duo Sam Lalor and Harry Armstrong.
AAP
