Richmond are set to take on Port Adelaide
Richmond v Port Adelaide
MCG – September 2 2012 – 3:15PM
Richmond and Port Adelaide will take to the plains of the MCG this Sunday as the two teams officially end their 2012 campaign.
As both teams are well and truly out of finals contention, pride and development for the future are the only purpose of this contest as thinking ahead for 2013 becomes involved.
A Tigers win however could see them finish as high as 10th if other results fall their way, including finishing ahead of rivals such as Carlton and Essendon.
For Port Adelaide, a win or a loss is unlikely to make a difference to their final resting spot of 14th.
The Tigers will be hot favourites running in to the match, with coach Damien Hardwick enjoying a late season flourish from his troops after their demolition job of Essendon.
It means there is unlikely to be too many changes to the successful line up, with White the only player to likely miss out due to a hamstring injury. White is looking likely to be replaced by the impressive Ellis, who will look to finish off his classy debut season in style.
Port Adelaide meanwhile will likely give Steven Salopek a fair well game in what would likely be his final game with the club.
All eyes will be on Trent Cotchin in his final attempt to gain further votes in his Brownlow quest.
Richmond has been dominant through the midfield in recents weeks, curtailing Essendon to just 40 inside 50’s last week to Richmond’s 71.
It will be difficult for Port Adelaide to counter-act the Tigers, given the comparative difference in class.
If Port are to win, they would need to base their game on counter-attacking football. Absorbing the Richmond attack before taking opportunities as they come at the other end.
Richmond has shown a tendency to fall over in close games this year, so Port Adelaide would fancy their chances if they are close enough.
It seems unlikely though at this stage that Port Adelaide could absorb such an attack though, meaning a Richmond win is a highly likely outcome.
Prediction: Richmond by 48 points
