Metalcrusher
A God Amongst The People
- Banned
- #1
AFL 2021 | Rd 1 Richmond v Carlton | March 18 | 7.25pm AEDT | MCG
Head to head these two teams have played each other 222 times, with the Baggers holding the bragging rights with 125 wins, 95 losses and 2 draws.
The recent record however, paints a very different picture.
Disconcerting to note, is that Carlton have not defeated Richmond since the Elimination final in 2013 with Richmond accounting for the Blues in the next 10 encounters, spanning seven years.
List changes since the last time these two teams met are quite significant.
Carlton:
Ins: Zac Williams, Adam Saad, Lachie Fogarty, Corey Durdin, Jack Carroll, Luke Parks.
Outs: Matthew Kruezer, Kade Simpson, Hugh Goddard, Darcy Lang, Ben Silvagni, Finbar O'Dwyer, Harrison Macreadie, Cameron Polson, Fraser Phillips, Callum Moore.
Richmond:
Ins: Samson Ryan, Maurice Rioli Jnr,
Outs: Derek Eggmolesse-Smith, Luke English, Fraser Turner, Oleg Markov, Jack Higgins
What it means for Carlton: It would be a massive statement if the Baggers can overcome Richmond at the G. Starting the season with a win against last years premiers would certainly setup their season and instil a sense of belief and belonging in Teague's group and could well set season 2021 up for finals tilt.
What it means for Richmond: A win – and a big one – will declare that last years premiers are just as motivated and gunning for another one in 2021 to add to their recent collection.
How we win?
Well, we got a pretty good snapshot of what to expect by playing the Saints in the Preseason, who have seemed to have taken on a lot of the Tigers style of play with that frenetic, free flowing, fast moving, attacking football. Make no mistakes, the Saints will be there abouts this season with some punters predicting a top 4 finish.
First and foremost, we need to win the battle of the centre, and by that I mean, our mids need to be accountable with their two way running, man marking and tackling. Richmond were the team with the highest I50 count in 2020 with CFC at eighth. The other stat that is worth noting is Richmond were also ranked 1 in Rebound I50's with CFC coming in at 15th, so their ability to rebound from their defence and make plays to deliver inside their forward fifty is as good as there is. That ball is going to come in a lot more if our mids don't control the centre. Zac Williams will be a major boost in this area as his tackle stats for the preseason have stamped his intent early. The MIDS MUST BE ACCOUNTABLE.
Our I50 needs to measured and to the advantage of our forwards. If we are not precise in our entries the ball will come out just as quick and rebound to the other end.
Tempo footy or locking it in. We will need to do this when the inevitable happens, Richmond gets a run on ... we need to react fast and swift to lock that down, especially late in quarters where we have a knack of letting teams get junk time goals.
We need to take advantage of our line breaking weapons in Willo and Saad with the new rule change to get that ball in fast and put the Tigers defence under pressure.
Prediction: Richmond 12 points.
GO BLUES Over to you folks.
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