Roar Guru
Round 14 finishes up at the MCG as both Richmond and St Kilda do battle in a crucial game for the Tigers. Live scores and commentary kicks off from 4.40pm AEST.
Richmond has a serious chance in the next few weeks to quite possibly sneak into a top four spot with their next three games very winnable.
While for St Kilda, they’ve had another one of those seasons where they’ve played some decent footy without getting much go their way.
The Tigers have won their last three and look to be on their way to their first finals campaign since 2001.
So for them it’s so important to make sure they put away the teams that are a class below.
It;s been a failing of Richmond in the past. But with victories against Adelaide and the Bulldogs, that’s exactly what they’ve been able to do.
And there is no doubt the away win against West Coast in Perth gave this Tigers outfit a fair shot in the arm.
Jack Riewoldt hasn’t quite been the dominant force in this line-up as many believed, with plenty of their goals being shared by the midfield.
However, Jack’s still averaging around three goals a game, and was a massive factor in the side’s win against the Saints earlier in the year – he booted seven.
Bachar Houli played his best game of his career last week with 25 disposals and five inside 50s, while Daniel Jackson has been a solid midfielder this season now that he’s injury free.
St Kilda will need to find a way to get through their opponent’s solid midfield and may need the likes of Jack Steven and Leigh Montagna to continue their ball-hogging ways.
Both players rank in the top 20 of players in disposals, with Steven playing some of his best football in his short career.
Nick Riewoldt will still prove to be a headache for the Richmond defence, with the star forward having a stellar season despite his side being on the slide.
Where they do seem to get let down is two areas – in defence and with their small forwards.
There is still plenty of development needed in the defenders with the likes of Jimmy Webster, Nathan Wright and Dylan Roberton.
Of their back six, James Gwilt and Sean Dempster are the most qualified to stop an onslaught from Jack Riewoldt, but will need their best performances to keep him quiet.
And St Kilda’s small forwards have been somewhat indifferent.
Showing glimpses of brilliance in the pre-season, they’ve not really found the goal line enough when they’ve been chocked-up.
Tonight sees just Terry Milera as the small forward, despite being named on the wing.
Richmond should see this as an opportunity to push seriously for higher aspirations. A top four spot could present itself at some point in the next couple of weeks. So winning today is a non-negotiable.