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Bad kicking is bad football, which makes Fremantle v Richmond really bad footy

Headshot of Craig O'Donoghue
Craig O'DonoghueThe West Australian
It’s a windy day but surely that can’t be used an excuse for elite footballers to be wildly inaccurate when kicking for goal.
Camera IconIt’s a windy day but surely that can’t be used an excuse for elite footballers to be wildly inaccurate when kicking for goal. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos

Can anyone think of a worse exhibition of goalkicking?

Fremantle and Richmond have stunk it up big time at Optus Stadium today with a goalless second quarter despite combining for 11 shots.

At half-time, Fremantle are 2.10 while the Tigers are 1.8.

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Fremantle’s goals came almost two minutes and seven minutes into the first term while Richmond’s occurred 22 minutes into the quarter.

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But that was a freak goal with Rhyan Mansell’s 65m kick simply carrying the pack and dribbling through.

When Mansell kicked his goal, the scoreline was 2.4 to 1.1. That means fans have watched 13 consecutive behinds.

It’s a windy day but it’s hard to give the players an out for their misses.

Matthew Parker missed a set shot from 20m out directly in front. Other attempts haven’t even looked like going through.

Fremantle have battled to kick accurately all year with 186.225 for the season so far.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 01: Travis Colyer of the Dockers celebrates a goal during the 2021 AFL Round 20 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Richmond Tigers at Optus Stadium on August 1, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Camera IconTravis Colyer is one of three goalkickers for the entire game. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Coach Justin Longmuir lamented the scoreline when heading to the rooms to address his team.

“It’s been the story of the year. We played the game in out front half but just didn’t capitalise,” he said.

The Dockers desperately need to win given they will jump into the eight if they defeat Richmond.

Then they just need to hope that Greater Western Sydney lose to Port Adelaide to stay there.

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