Where: MCG, Saturday 7th April, 7.40pm
TV: Channel 7, 7.30pm, Fox Footy 7.30pm
Radio: 3AW and Triple M
Both Richmond and Collingwood have been kept out of the media limelight despite their losses in Round 1. Collingwood’s tough loss to Hawthorn will mean they will be wanting to steady, while Richmond ran Carlton close before getting blown away in the final term.
This game seems to be one that will be difficult for Richmond to win.
The Tigers will be relying on their midfield in order to have any chance, as their defence is certainly outgunned by the Collingwood forward-line.
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Travis Cloke, Chris Dawes, Jarryd Blair and Jackson Paine will almost certainly be too strong for Dylan Grimes, Brandon Ellis, Alex Rance and Steven Morris. If the Tigers stand a chance, they will need to deny service to the Collingwood forwards through their mids.
While Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin are two of the best up-and-coming mids in the competition, the Tigers will still have to silence two of the best players in the comp. Scott Pendlebury was sublime against Hawthorn last weekend, and Dane Swan’s outside skills can be impossible to stop at times.
However, Richmond’s forward-line is capable of giving the best headaches. Tyrone Vickery and Jack Riewoldt on their day can beat the best in the competition, and if they get a run on, the lift from the other Richmond players would get could push them over the line.
Heath Shaw and the returning Chris Tarrant will be looking to prevent that happening.
Key Players
Dale Thomas: ‘Daisy”s midfield class as well as damaging forward capability makes him a tough match-up for Richmond, and the Pies will surely look to exploit his skill.
Luke Ball: Ball’s clearance skills will be needed for the Pies to prevent Cotchin and Martin getting a damaging run, if he provides first use out the clearances, you can expect the Pies’ other midfielders to thrive.
Ivan Maric: Maric will need to provide quality hit-outs if the Tigers stand a chance, and will get to prove himself against one of the best rucks around.
Chris Newman: The Tigers’ captain will lead from the back and aim to prevent Richmond conceding too heavily. His footskills become more important against a seasoned Collingwood press.
Final Word
Collingwood are simply class all over and will want to get their first win for 2012.
Collingwood by 62.
Collingwood:
B: Heritier O’Brien, Lachlan Keeffe, Heath Shaw
HB: Chris Tarrant, Ben Reid, Tyson Goldsack
C: Dane Swan, Luke Ball, Dayne Beams
HF: Dale Thomas, Jackson Paine, Ben Sinclair
F: Travis Cloke, Chris Dawes, Alex Fasolo
Foll: Darren Jolly, Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom
I/C: Alan Toovey, Martin Clarke, Jarryd Blair, Paul Seedsman
Emg: Luke Rounds, Tom Young, Peter Yagmoor
In: Dayne Beams, Chris Tarrant
Out: Luke Rounds, Peter Yagmoor
Milestones: Chris Dawes – 50 games
Richmond
B: Steven Morris, Alex Rance, Chris Newman
HB: Bachar Houli, Dylan Grimes, Brandon Ellis
C: Shaun Grigg, Dustin Martin, Daniel Jackson
HF: Brett Deledio, Tyrone Vickery, Shane Edwards
F: Brad Miller, Jack Riewoldt, Jake King
Foll: Ivan Maric, Trent Cotchin, Nathan Foley
I/C: Shane Tuck, Robin Nahas, Reece Conca, Jake Batchelor
Emg: Angus Graham, Matthew White, Addam Maric
In: Jake King, Jake Batchelor
Out: Jayden Post, Addam Maric
Milestones: Bachar Houli – 50 games
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