Matthew Richardson raises doubts over $7.5 million ‘donation’ following North Melbourne’s close defeat to Fremantle

Richmond legend Matthew Richardson has raised concerns over the fairness of North Melbourne’s arrangement to sell home games to clubs from Western Australia, following their narrow defeat to Fremantle on Saturday night.

The Dockers managed a close six-point ‘away’ victory against the Roos at Optus Stadium, but Richardson speculated whether the outcome might have been different had the match been played in Victoria or Tasmania.

North Melbourne has a three-year deal with Western Australia worth a total of $7.5 million, which involves selling a home game to West Coast and Fremantle each season.

Richardson stated that he doesn’t mind the upcoming Round 13 clash between the Roos and Eagles, played in Bunbury, as it helps promote the game in regional areas.

However, he questioned whether Fremantle had gained an undue advantage due to the additional home game, given the already shaky structure of the fixture.

“Would (North) have won that game at Marvel?” Richardson posed while speaking on 3AW.

“What I dislike about it is that it effectively gifts Fremantle a home game.”

“I have no issue with the Bunbury situation, it was fantastic to see a game there and it benefited the region.”

“But selling a home game to Optus Stadium effectively hands Fremantle an advantage in a competition that is already compromised.”

Due to their scheduled bye in Round 13, the Dockers will be entirely based in Perth throughout June, with consecutive home games against Essendon and St Kilda in the forthcoming fortnight.

This could prove critical in their fight for a finals spot, as currently, only 1.5 wins separate the teams ranked eighth and third on the ladder.

Regarding the Roos, who missed a golden opportunity for back-to-back victories on Saturday, Richardson is cautious with his praise.

North Melbourne has been highly competitive since Round 7, having achieved victories over West Coast and Richmond, as well as a draw with Brisbane.

They have only suffered one defeat by more than ten points, which was against Collingwood.

Richardson expressed that he expects “seven or eight wins at minimum” for Alastair Clarkson’s side, who currently holds three wins and a draw.

“This is the level they should be performing at given the talent they possess,” he remarked, referring to their previous disappointing form earlier in the season.

“They need to secure a few more victories in Clarkson’s third year at the helm. They should be starting to show better competitiveness.”

North Melbourne will take on Carlton at the MCG in Round 15.