Michael Ramsey
Fremantle’s Josh Treacy’s improvement efforts have been praised after his key role in the Dockers’ demolition of Richmond.
Treacy averaged 4.3 and kicked 12 points in a performance that overflowed the stat sheet, as the hosts overcame a poor start to run out 60-point winners at Optus Stadium.
The forward’s sticky hands are among the most reliable in the AFL and were a highlight in the slippery conditions on Saturday.
“He’s a competitor. There aren’t many players at our club who work harder at their game than JT,” Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir said after the 13.25 (103) to 6.7 (43) win.
“He’s changed in all areas. He’s looking for improvement in all areas of his game, so he’s fitter, stronger and his technique is better than last year, and his last two years have been strong as well.
“He gets a lot of balls hit in his hands and then when everyone sees it slip, it’s like a summer day.
“I don’t want to give away all his secrets. He just does reps … it’s a solid application of the process, and you become better at your craft.”
The centerpiece of a stacked Dockers forward line, Treacy was well supported by Jye Amiss (two goals) and Patrick Voss, while Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong were usually active in midfield.
Shai Bolton ran back-to-back tackles, including a superb collection on the wing to set up Amiss’s goal.
Another key weapon for Justin Longmuir, ruckman Luke Jackson, was also influential in the second half after coming into midfield and roaming forward, while Isaiah Dudley’s pressure and tackling were good.
Heavy rain was in the forecast as ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle made its way south, with Tigers young forward Seth Campbell posing for a pair of swimming goggles in jest at Friday’s training session in Perth.
The rain was more than occasional showers, though both teams forgot the moment Sherrin slipped.
Richmond showed their rebuild is well and truly underway in an impressive first half, despite losing almost 600 games of experience with injuries to Toby Nankervis, Nathan Broad and Tom Lynch.
With acting captain Tim Taranto (24 disposals, 10 disposals, two goals) relishing the rough conditions, the Tigers took the lead shortly before half-time but could not hold on to a Fremantle side gunning for the premiership.
“Playing against a strong team on their home field, a hostile environment, a tough situation … I couldn’t ask for more,” Richmond coach Adam Yze said at halftime.
“We looked like we lost our way a little bit in the second half, which is disappointing.”
Richmond youngster Sam Lalor was among the best in the first half, with the Steely Green bagging three goals.
The result makes The Tigers lose eight games in a row and one of the two teams has not yet won this season.
AAP
