Fremantle Dockers vs Richmond Tigers Prediction - Round 3 2026

At home in the West for the second weekend in a row, Fremantle will play host to Richmond at Optus Stadium in Round 3 of the AFL season.  

The Dockers made the most of their home ground advantage last week, comfortably getting past Melbourne 118-70 to square the ledger at 1-1 in 2026. Shai Bolton had one of his strongest performances in a Fremantle jumper, totalling 32 disposals for a whopping 638 metres gained, 15 contested possessions and two goals.

Elsewhere, Richmond dropped to 0-2 via its 128-60 loss to Gold Coast at the MCG last Saturday, with the defeat compounded by hamstring injuries to Toby Nankervis and Tom Lynch, who are both set to miss at least a month.

With two of their best players missing, it’ll be a long road ahead for Richmond. Even with Nankervis and Lynch, the Tigers are just one of three clubs yet to register a win.

Fremantle has dominated the last three meetings between these clubs, winning each by a margin of 51+ points, including a 108-47 result at Barossa Park during last year’s Gather Round. Josh Treacy was influential on that afternoon, slotting a career-high six goals.

The Tigers are staring down a long afternoon in the West if they can’t find a way to bridge the gap in class. With the Dockers finding their groove and the Tigers' list looking a little thin, we’re expecting the Purple Haze to roll on in front of their home fans.

Might be a long game for Tigers fans.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Fremantle vs Richmond Round 3 prediction and preview below.

Fremantle vs Richmond Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Fremantle handled its business back on home soil against an inferior opponent last week. The Dees were KO’d early and never allowed to recover and the Tigers should receive similar treatment.

Richmond should’ve won (in our opinion) against the Blues and were never a match for Gold Coast. They’re about where we thought they’d be.

In the past three contests, Richmond has not scored more than 54 points against the Dockers. That’d be a handy starting point for improvement. Last season was a 10-goal win for the Purple Haze with Josh Treacy booting six.

Treacy has also kicked nine goals combined in the two games previous to that.

He looms as the difference again. This looks like another 10-goal margin. Maybe more. Sorry Tigers fans.

Head-to-head prediction: Fremantle Dockers by 57 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Josh Treacy has a mortgage on goals when these two sides meet. After his six-goal haul against the Tigers last year, he’ll be the first name the Richmond defenders look for and likely the first one they fail to stop.

With the Dockers expected to dominate the early inside-50 count, The Big Kahuna is our pick to slot the opener and set the tone for a purple party.

Betting tip: Josh Treacy.

Most Disposals Prediction

While the Dockers' mids will be busy, Jayden Short is the man who keeps the Tigers' pulse beating. As the primary distributor out of defence, he’s going to see a mountain of work as Richmond try to get themselves out of trouble.

The dual-premiership winner is a master at accumulating touches and gaining meters, and in a game where Richmond will be doing plenty of defending, he’s a prime candidate to lead the stats sheet.

If he enters the game healthy, Short would be a great value bet here.

Betting tip: Jayden Short.

Odds are subject to change. *

Fremantle vs Richmond Predicted Teams

Fremantle Dockers Predicted Team List

FB: Oscar McDonald, Alex Pearce, Heath Chapman

HB: Jordan Clark, Luke Ryan, Karl Worner

C: Jeremy Sharp, Andrew Brayshaw, James Aish

HF: Jye Amiss, Patrick Voss, Sam Switkowski

F: Isaiah Dudley, Josh Treacy, Murphy Reid

FOLL: Sean Darcy, Caleb Serong, Luke Jackson

I/C: Neil Erasmus, Matthew Johnson, Corey Wagner, Bailey Banfield, Judd McVee

Richmond Tigers Predicted Team List

FB: Noah Balta, Ben Miller, Jayden Short

HB: Sam Banks, Nick Vlastuin, James Trezise

C: Hugo Ralphsmith, Jack Ross, Tom Brown

HF: Seth Campbell, Dion Prestia, Maurice Rioli

F: Sam Lalor, Mykelti Lefau, Harry Armstrong

FOLL: Samson Ryan, Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper

I/C: Tyler Sonsie, Steely Green, Kamdyn McIntosh, Thomson Dow, Tylar Young

Fremantle Dockers vs Richmond Tigers Match Details

Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026

First Bounce: 4:15pm AEDT

Location: Optus Stadium, Perth

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports