Dockers hang on to record their third win of the season.
A late goal to Fremantle’s Hayden Ballantyne has sealed an important one-point home win for the Dockers against a determined Richmond Tigers side.
After trailing for much of the game, Chris Mayne kicked his third goal for the clash at the sixth-minute mark of the last quarter to give his side some breathing space at 14 points.
However, the Tigers did not go away and scored with goals to Dustin Martin and Tyrone Vickery to put the result back on the table, setting the stage for Ballantyne’s heroics as the Dockers won 12.9 (81) to 12.8 (80).
Earlier, Richmond silenced the vocal Fremantle crowd with a blistering start, kicking the first three goals before the Dockers had even scored.
The Dockers fought back in the second term, kicking five goals to two to lead by two points at the major change.
It was an arm-wrestle in the third, with Fremantle unable to take their chances to extend their lead, whilst Richmond kicked 2.2 from just four inside 50 entries for the term to stay in touch.
Luke McPharlin proved a pivotal inclusion for Fremantle. The All-Australian defender held reigning Coleman Medalist Jack Riewoldt to just two marks and one goal, which came from a free kick.
Chris Knights was outstanding for Richmond, kicking three goals to keep them in touch throughout the night.
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