Praise for Cyclone Treacy as Fremantle Dockers overpower Richmond Tigers at Optus Stadium in Perth
michael ramsey
Fremantle spearhead Josh Treacy’s relentless pursuit of improvement has been praised following his starring role in the Dockers’ demolition of Richmond.
The home side overcame a poor start to run out a 60-point win at Optus Stadium as Treacy collected 12 points from 4.3 in a dominant performance that went up the stat sheet.
The key forward’s sticky hands are among the most reliable in the AFL and he provided a beacon in the slippery conditions on Saturday.
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir said after the 13.25 (103) to 6.7 (43) victory: “He’s a competitor. There aren’t many players at our club who work harder at their game than JT.”
“He’s improved in every aspect. He’s looking to improve in every aspect of his game, so he’s fitter, he’s stronger and his skill is better than last year and he’s been really strong the last two years.
“He gets a lot of balls hitting his hand and when everyone realizes it’s slippery, they’re taking it down like it’s a dry day.
“I don’t want to give away all his secrets. He just does the reps…it’s just consistent application of a process and you get better at your craft.”
Treacy, who was the focal point of the Dockers forward line, was assisted by Jye Amiss (two goals) and Patrick Voss, while Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong were very hardworking in midfield.
Shai Bolton made repeated forward entries, including a superb build-up on the wing to set up an Amiss goal.
Another important weapon in the hands of Justin Longmuir, ruckman Luke Jackson, was effective in the second half after entering the midfield and moving forward, while Isaiah Dudley’s pressure and intervention were outstanding.
Heavy rain was expected as former Tropical Cyclone Narelle moved south; Young Tigers forward Seth Campbell jokingly photographed his sporty swimming goggles at practice in Perth on Friday.
The rain largely continued beyond intermittent showers, but both teams had some memorable moments with slippery Sherrin.
Richmond showed their rebuild is well and truly on track with an impressive first half despite the loss of almost 600 games of experience due to injuries to Toby Nankervis, Nathan Broad and Tom Lynch.
With acting captain Tim Taranto (24 disposals, 10 tackles, two goals) enjoying greasy conditions, the Tigers were ahead shortly before half-time but could not hold on through Fremantle’s side balls to seal an elusive victory.
Richmond coach Adam Yze said of the first half: “Playing against a really strong team on their home ground, hostile environment, tough conditions… I couldn’t have asked for more.”
“We seemed to lose our way a little bit in the second half, which is disappointing.”
Richmond’s powerful young gun Sam Lalor was among the best on the field in the first half, while Steely Green scored three goals.
As a result, the Tigers are on an eight-game losing streak, with one of the two teams still winless this season.
AAP
