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The Richmond Tigers are looking to end their losing streak against the Collingwood Magpies in their twilight encounter at the MCG.
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It looked as if the Tigers may have found some form in the first half of last week’s game against the Kangaroos. Then they capitulated in the second half with sloppy skills and undisciplined play.
The Tigers need improved play from their bottom group of players to support their star players who are carrying a heavy burden this season.
Trent Cotchin is averaging a career-high in disposals this season, although he looks to have less explosiveness than previous seasons due to carrying a calf injury. As a result he is handballing more and hitting the scoreboard less.
Dustin Martin has been prolific in the middle this year and like Cothin, is having a career year possession wise. The coaching staff would like to spell Martin near the goals more to add some more firepower to the side but with injuries to Brett Deledio and Reece Conca have been unable to afford the luxury this season.
Last week the Magpies failed to get some breathing distance on the pack with their loss to Geelong and while they still sit third are only a game clear of 12th place.
Nathan Buckley has slowly been integrating a batch of youngsters into his side who are now starting to mature and produce consistently for the Magpies.
The likes of Jack Frost, Tim Broomhead, Marley Williams and Paul Seedsman have strengthened the Magpie underbelly with their improvement. When added to more established youngsters in Jamie Elliott, Taylor Adams and Brodie Grundy, the Magpies are building the foundations of a challenger.
Travis Cloke’s goal kicking yips are becoming the stuff of folklore, with the regularity he misses close shots at goal and slots long bombs from the boundary producing its own game within a game each week.
At the selection table, the Magpies have omitted Tony Armstrong with his likely replacement to be their prized no.5 draft pick Jordan De Goey who has shown excellent form in the VFL over recent weeks.
At Tigerland they swung the axe and are looking at youthful enthusiasm to inject into the side lacking spark. Liam McBean has started capitalising on his considerable talent by kicking a few bags in the VFL in recent weeks and looks a likely replacement for Ben Griffiths if he cannot get up from his bout of concussion.
Prediction:
We should a raucous crowd at the ‘G for this match with both sets of supporters well known for their passion. The Tigers are hoping youth can help kick-start their season but as Collingwood have learnt over the past few seasons, with youth comes inconsistency.
Collingwood had a bit of a setback last week with a poor performance but the Tigers are yet to fire a meaningful shot this season. The Pies look too good for the Tigers here.
Collingwood by 30 points.
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