Round 4, 1997 - Richmond vs Fremantle

An undermanned Richmond has fought gallantly to win a thriller against Fremantle at Princes Park by 5 points.

The Tigers were without 8 of their best players, including tall timber like Brendon Gale and Justin Charles, but managed to hold off the Dockers 10.12 (72) to 10.7 (67).

Mark Chaffey makes his AFL debut.

The win meant the Tigers started the 1997 with a 3-1 record, placing them in 4th spot on the ladder after 4 rounds.

Given the Tigers lack of health in the talls department, it meant Stephen Jurica was recalled into the squad, specifically to take the ruck contests which was a big ask going up against the likes of Jeff White and Daniel Bandy.

In what was a pretty dour struggle early, Richmond moved out to a 13-point lead at halftime with only 10 goals being kicked between the two sides for the whole first half.

Fremantle put the foot down in the third term in what was a scary quarter if you were a Tigers supporter, as the Dockers piled on six goals to nothing to shoot past the Tigers and take a 23-point lead heading into the final quarter.

In a monumental turnaround, Richmond dominated Fremantle in the final term, booting 4.4 to no score for a stirring come from behind win to ensure victory and start the season 3-1.

While he was never going to wow the stat sheet, Darren Gaspar was arguably Richmond's best performer in the low scoring affair. His dour defence, and particularly in the 4th quarter to repel the Fremantle attack, was a major reason as to why the Tigers were able to come from behind and win.

Joel Bowden was another of Richmond's better performers, kicking two goals and providing some class with ball in hand on a day where it was lacking for most. His 12 disposals were small in number, but everytime he had the footy, something good came of it.

Matthew Richardson also fought hard throughout, kicking two goals himself to go along with 7 marks and 15 disposals on a day where scoring was a premium.

Mark Chaffey made his debut, with the near 20-year old playing a minimal role off the bench, but still picking up an impressive 10 disposals in the process.

Nick Daffy booted his 100th AFL career goal during the match, while fellow goalsneak Trent Nichols booted his 50th goal in Tiger colours, in what was his second stint at the club.

Stats for the game courtesy of AFL Tables

A Fighting Fury player ratings - click here for explanation

Darren Gaspar	10
Joel Bowden	7
Matthew Richardson	7
Duncan Kellaway	6
Wayne Campbell	6
Ben Harrison	6
Stephen Jurica	5
Scott Turner	5
Chris Bond	5
Nick Daffy	4
Ben Holland	4
Paul Broderick	4
Ross Funcke	4
Jamie Tape	4
Jason Torney	3
Ashley Prescott	3
Trent Nichols	3
Chris Naish	3
Michael Gale	2
Mark Chaffey	2
Damien Ryan	1