Round 1, 1995 - Richmond vs Fremantle

Fremantle made their AFL debut against Richmond at the MCG in Round 1 of the 1995 season, and gave the up and coming Tigers a big scare while they were at it.

Richmond's inaccuracy in front of the big sticks almost cost them in the end, but were able to hold on 12.18 (90) to 12.13 (85).

Richmond's Greg Dear and Fremantle's Spider Burton battle in the ruck at the MCG.

With two minutes remaining, the Dockers had the margin back to 5 points and had ball in hand, but some favourable umpiring decisions for the Tigers nixed any chance of a Dockers win in their inaugural game.

It was the first time Richmond had won an opening round game since 1982, as they looked to improve on their 9th place finish the year prior.

For the Tigers, it was Matthew Knights who shone brightest. While he picked up a modest 22 disposals, his ball use both in close and then on the outside meant he was a big reason why Richmond's talls were able to get on top.

Matthew Richardson and Brendan Gale owned the Tigers forward half, and while statistically between them 4 goals and 14 marks may not look like a lot, they had their way with the young Freo defence and helped bring smalls like Chris Naish and Nick Daffy into the game.

Tough nut Chris Bond was ferocious in the contest which at times drew the ire of the Fremantle players, who seemed to go after him physically whenever he was vulnerable, but this inevitably lead him to win his fair share of frees (he had 5 for the day) on his way to 23 disposals (including 20 kicks).

Stuart Wigney also showed some great signs in his first outing in the yellow and black since changing clubs.

Stats for the game courtesy of AFL Tables

A Fighting Fury player ratings - click here for explanation

Matthew Knights	11
Brendan Gale	9
Matthew Richardson	9
Chris Bond	7
Scott Turner	7
Paul Broderick	6
Duncan Kellaway	6
Michael Gale	6
Greg Dear	5
Wayne Campbell	5
Stuart Edwards	5
Chris Naish	5
Nick Daffy	4
Stuart Wigney	3
Matthew Rogers	3
Tony Free	2
Jamie Tape	2
Mark Merenda	1
Stuart Maxfield	1
John Howat	1
Ashley Prescott	0