Sir_Loin
🏆🏆🏆
Its charitable giving round of the AFL which sees the Richmond Football Club despite its league leading home ground attendances, playing away at "boutique" Simonds Stadium against the Hoops, injecting millions of dollars in GDP into the Geelong and greater Corio Bay area. I'm proud to be a member of a club that takes such a league leading position on regional football. The less that is said about Corio nature strips and spit roasts the better.
Current Form:
In what has been a season to remember, the Tiges sit in equal second position on points with three home and away games left. A slightly inferior percentage keeping the side in third position from the AFL supported GWS. Since the bye, wins against pretenders PAFC and contenders GWS have been highlights in addition to a stunning team effort to end the finals aspirations of an in-form Hawthorn. Workman like efforts to put shit trucks GAFC and the Brisbane Bears to the sword have seen the club in the unique position of challenging for a top two finish late in season 2017. Only an AFL led conspiracy could see the Tiges drop out of the top 4 from this point. Mark my words.
The Hoops despite early season dominance have had a fortnight to forget. A suspension to everyone's favourite Bear Gryll's impersonator and Brownlow medal favourite, a serious injury to an inspirational yet ducky captain and a looming suspension for a very punchy full forward all point towards a late season unravelling. After the Tiges, the Hoops have the pies at the G (WTF, GTFO Gil you campaigner) and the Dees. No walk in the park and three losses could see the Hoops out of the top 4.
Last Time We Met:
Don't want to talk about it, if thats OK.
How Both Teams Can Win:
Tiges:
Don't change a thing. Manic forward half pressure from our mosquito fleet and an even contribution from every player. As per the Hawks game if Skip gets tagged, Caddy, Prestia and Lambert can pick up the slack. Dusty can't be stopped, Rance and Astbury patrol the backline like a pair of war machines and then the likes of Flossy, Optimus Grimes and Houli drive our attack from D-50. Sheds starting to look very, very good and could be the x-factor that takes the side deep into September. Massive opportunity to cement a top 4 spot and potentially a top 2 finish and home qualifying final at the G. FMD.Don't want to talk about it, if thats OK.
How Both Teams Can Win:
Tiges:
Hoops:
Geelong are in a world of hurt. A very long injury list including to key players Blicavs, Selwood, Cockatoo, Menzel and Motlop and probable suspensions to Duncan and Hawkins mean the Hoops could be in real danger of losing a second home game in a row. Cam Guthrie played the weekend game out with an adductor strain and could also miss. The Tiges will never have a better opportunity to roll one of the most successful clubs of the modern era on their home deck than this week (last win against the Hoops being 2006). Only the Tiges poor clearance rate could hold them back but fully expect the Tiges brain trust to work it out. Not expecting a challenge to the Hawkins and Duncan suspensions but its chook lotto. My tin-foil hat conspiracy laden brain is working over time. Interesting 48 hours coming up.
Predicted Line Ups:
Tiges:
FB Grimes, Rance, Broad
HB Ellis, Astbury, Vlastuin
C McIntosh, Cotchin, Grigg
HF Lambert, Edwards , Caddy
FF Soldo, Rioli, Butler
R Nankervis, Martin, Prestia
IC Houli, Riewoldt, Ellis, Castagna
In: Riewoldt
Out: Miles (purely for dickheadedness on missing that goal. FML.)
Hoops:
FB Bews, Lonergan, Kolodjashnij
HB Stewart, Henderson, Tuohy
C Mackie, Dangerfield , Murdoch
HF Menzel, Taylor, S. Selwood
FF Thurlow, Stanley , Parsons
R Smith, C.Guthrie, Menegola
IC Parfitt, Motlop, Simpson, Z.Guthrie
Tiges:
FB Grimes, Rance, Broad
HB Ellis, Astbury, Vlastuin
C McIntosh, Cotchin, Grigg
HF Lambert, Edwards , Caddy
FF Soldo, Rioli, Butler
R Nankervis, Martin, Prestia
IC Houli, Riewoldt, Ellis, Castagna
In: Riewoldt
Out: Miles (purely for dickheadedness on missing that goal. FML.)
Hoops:
FB Bews, Lonergan, Kolodjashnij
HB Stewart, Henderson, Tuohy
C Mackie, Dangerfield , Murdoch
HF Menzel, Taylor, S. Selwood
FF Thurlow, Stanley , Parsons
R Smith, C.Guthrie, Menegola
IC Parfitt, Motlop, Simpson, Z.Guthrie
In: Dangerfield, Stanley, Menzel, Motlop
Out: Selwood, Hawkins, Duncan, Buzza
Key Matchups:
As always, game is won in the middle. Dusty v Danger will be one to watch but doubtful that they'll go head to head. Expect some tagging to go on from the Tiges side given Selwood being out, one of Prestia or Lambert to run with in the midfield. Should the freak go forward one of Rance or Astbury to give him the good news. After its all said and done it will be our ability to win the ball back, transition into attack and lock the ball in our F-50 and score. Expecting the Skip to have a good game.Out: Selwood, Hawkins, Duncan, Buzza
Key Matchups:
Sir Loin's Prediction:
Finally, a game down the highway where we are a realistic chance of winning. Our form has been building and never more evidence of such being our solid win over the Hawks on the weekend. Win this one and the lid is well and truly off. I'm backing the boys in to have a win by 15 points. Carn the Tiges!
Finally, a game down the highway where we are a realistic chance of winning. Our form has been building and never more evidence of such being our solid win over the Hawks on the weekend. Win this one and the lid is well and truly off. I'm backing the boys in to have a win by 15 points. Carn the Tiges!
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