AFL: Treacy boots six as Fremantle crush Richmond in record win

Josh Treacy’s career-best six-goal haul has powered Fremantle to a thumping 61-point win over Richmond in scorching Barossa Valley conditions on Sunday — their biggest-ever win over the Tigers.

The 22-year-old was on fire from the outset, kicking three majors in the opening 12 minutes and finishing with six by three-quarter time to help steer the Dockers to a 16.12 (108) to 7.5 (47) victory. The dominant performance also moved Treacy to equal-first in the Coleman Medal race with 17 goals from five AFL games.

Richmond put up a spirited fight early, hitting the ground running in both the first and second quarters with an energetic, youthful attack. But once Fremantle settled, it was one-way traffic. After seven lead changes in a seesawing first half, the Dockers kicked 12 of the last 13 goals, blowing the game wide open.

The game was effectively iced midway through the third quarter. After a solid return from injury, Hayden Young announced himself with a booming 60m goal to cap a run of six straight Fremantle majors. Young, who had 18 disposals and two goals in his first game of the season, looked every bit the midfield bull the Dockers had missed.

Shai Bolton was lively in his first game against the Tigers, showcasing his electric pace and clean hands with 2.3 from 19 disposals and 10 score involvements. Despite some inaccuracy and an early bout of cramp, his performance gave a glimpse of why Fremantle chased the former Richmond star so hard during last year’s trade period.

Michael Frederick added three goals of his own, while skipper Alex Pearce bobbed up with a rare goal — just the sixth of his 121-game career — in a moment that typified the Dockers’ dominance. Patrick Voss also joined the highlight reel, snapping a brilliant goal while fending off a tackle and celebrating with a sprint that lit up Barossa Park.

Defensively, Pearce led with 10 intercepts, while Luke Ryan was managed out of the game at three-quarter time. Richmond, meanwhile, lost Tom Lynch before the final term, and youngster Patrick Voss may face MRO scrutiny for a late hit on Nick Vlastuin.

There was also a scary moment in the first quarter when field umpire Paul Rebeschini was forced off after a head clash with Jayden Short. He later returned to the field but will undergo scans on a shoulder issue.

Despite only holding a 12-game experience edge over Richmond, Fremantle’s physicality and polish proved the difference. Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong led a dominant midfield brigade in the second half as the Tigers faded under the pressure and heat.

For Richmond, there were still moments to savour. Steely Green drilled a stunning goal from the boundary, Luke Trainor showed poise in defence, and debutant Jonty Faull had a hand in the team’s first goal. But with the team now nursing a 1-4 record, coach Adem Yze faces another big week.

With three straight wins, Fremantle’s season is suddenly back on track. And with Treacy’s star on the rise, they’ll head into Round 6 with serious momentum.

Richmond vs Fremantle final score

Richmond 7.5 (47)
Fremantle 16.12 (108)

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