Richmond Coach Terry Wallace leaves the three quarter time huddle during the AFL Round 04 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Melbourne Demons at the MCG. Slattery Images
If it’s possible, last week’s blowtorch is going to be turned up even more on Richmond. If they can’t beat Melbourne, who can they expect to win against?
The press will have a field day tearing the Tigers to shreds and the pressure on them is simply going to be inordinate. For a team already low on confidence, there is no level on how far they can sink. Terry Wallace says he doesn’t allow the media histrionics get to him, but you wouldn’t be human if you didn’t.
True you don’t achieve much by sacking the coach mid-year, but the Tigers could go the way of the 2008 Waratahs and fire Wallace, but keep him on for the rest of the year. This could relieve much of the pressure, especially on the players.
Don’t peak too soon St Kilda
St Kilda is looking frighteningly good, but it still is only April. Its trip to AAMI Stadium to take on a confident Port Power will provide a good indication of where both sides are at. The Saints won in Adelaide only two weeks ago, so travel won’t be an issue for them. The St Kilda defence is suffocating and has only conceded 226 points in four games. It is very hard not to kick a winning score when you only need 10 goals in order to do so. Not that it matters for the Saints; its attack is also firing and they have the second-most potent attack in the league, just behind Geelong.
Don’t write Hawthorn off yet
At 1-3, Hawks fans will start to feel a bit jittery but with West Coast, Carlton, Essendon, Fremantle and Melbourne to come in the next five weeks, they can breathe a little easier. It is always harder to go from the hunter to the hunted and injuries have also taken their toll. The slow start isn’t ideal, but don’t be surprised if they are 6-3 after Round 9.
Geelong on song
Geelong are purring along and looking to have the eye of the Tiger look to them that Richmond don’t. The whole team is playing fantastic football with Gary Ablett Jr, the leader of the pack. Now the rushed behind rule has been changed is there anyone or anything capable of stopping him?
Essendon neither here nor there
What to make of Essendon after four weeks? Wins over Fremantle and Carlton and losses to Port and North. This week they face Collingwood in the traditional Anzac Day blockbuster. For a side who hasn’t played finals in a while, this is as close as it gets to feeling the September atmosphere. It will be interesting to see how the Bombers fare. It last won an Anzac Day clash in 2005. Collingwood are playing good football and stakes will be high for both sides.
The Bombers will want to make a statement and win this game.
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