Round five continues at Etihad Stadium this afternoon as the unbeaten West Coast Eagles make the trip east to play Richmond. The game starts at 3.15pm AEST with live scores and updates coming up throughout the afternoon.
Tigers’ fans have been told all week their side isn’t much of a chance against West Coast.
“The Tigers will get smashed by Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui.”
“The Tigers will get carved up by Matt Priddis, Scott Selwood, Luke Shuey in the midfield.”
“Jack Riewoldt has gone missing and there’s no chance of the Tigers scoring enough to win.”
Okay, I admit a record of one win and three losses doesn’t look great.
But Ivan Maric has done well in the ruck and has been ably supported by Trent Cotchin, Dustin Martin and Shane Tuck.
At some point Jack Riewoldt will fire, and it’s more than likely going to happen at the Dome where he has the best average of all venues.
Let’s just take a look at the season so far.
They stayed with Carlton for most of the journey, almost managed to topple Collingwood, did what they needed to against Melbourne and pushed Geelong in Geelong for the first time in six years.
Hey, you know what, things aren’t that bad, but today’s a day for the club to finally get a scalp though.
Here’s a fun stat for Richmond fans to keep under their hats today – Richmond is yet to be beaten by West Coast at Etihad Stadium.
West Coast, on the other hand are four wins from four matches, top the table and are coming off the back of a gutsy win against Hawthorn at Patersons Stadium last weekend.
They probably should have kicked ten or eleven goals last week, not the paltry five that read on the scoreboard.
It was an amazing intensity in that game – something the Eagles have prided themselves on so far in 2012.
It’s a far cry from the other three games they’ve played in the season – with very comfortable wins against the Western Bulldogs, Melbourne and Greater Western Sydney without having to raise much of a sweat. Many believe today will be the same.
The team is made up of some amazing runners – Scott Selwood, Chris Masten, Luke Shuey, Daniel Kerr and the emergence of Andrew Gaff as well.
Then you have the defensive talents of Adam Selwood, Beau Waters and Shannon Hurn, while the forward line, while a little off target thanks to last week’s performance, has been able to cover for the loss of Mark Nicoski through Josh Hill as well as more goals from the midfield.
Travelling has never been a massive strong point of the West Coast Eagles.
But for them to be seriously considered as a top four (and potentially a top two side), they must win these sort of games – against eastern states’ sides that could challenge for a top eight spot.
There’s a fair bit on the line today and should be a fantastic game. Join in the conversation from 3.15pm as Richmond host West Coast at Etihad Stadium.
Lroy
Guest
Don't agree with the premise that WCE just had to turn up to win. Tigers have played 3 of the potential top 4 sides and have pushed all of them.. all WCE fans knew this would be a tough one...Tigers will be in the mix come September, so congratulations Damien Hardwick... Having said that.. look at the replay and contrast Richmond players with WCE when they kick a goal.. crikey, evey time a Tigers player kicks a goal, its like they kicked the wining penalty in the FA cup final... with the Eagles its business as usual... so, Tigers play great footy for a while,. then go to sleep while they are all givin each others high 5's. Compare Jack Riewaldts celebrations to Jack Darlings.. that dear friends may have been the difference. Richmond have a few prima donnas in their side, WCE are all meat and potatoes. Speaking of Riewaldt... are we seeing the "special rule" that the blonde haired adonis at the Saints plays by??? ergo.. the prince gets caught lame duck holding the ball, but you give him the free for "slinging" . or even better, the "any body contact " rule where if you touch him he gets a soft free????? Dint kid yourselves Tigers fans... if it wasn't for the soft frees Jack got right in front Eagles would have won by 30 points..... some of your alleged guns go missing for long periods of time.. don't like to chase.. but love to do something cute that makes it onto youtube.... you have at least 3 passengers in your side... not for me to tell you who they are :-) As for the Eagles... actually, that was a classic win away from home against a hugely committed local team. Seriously, no one should underrate that win, on any other day, Tigers would have won that one. Im throwing back a couple of whiskeys a very happy man... WCE across the board stood up.. played hard... and won it. Thanks for the 4 points and lets move on to next week...
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Lot of grit from Richmond. Love the younger Eagles players - even Masten is coming good all of a sudden.
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
FINAL | West Coast Eagles 16.11 107 def. Richmond 14.13 97 So that wraps up what was an extremely entertaining contest from Etihad Stadium. The Eagles stay on top of the AFL ladder with their win, joining Sydney as the only undefeated sides. They'll host a resurgent North Melbourne at Patersons Stadium next Sunday arvo. Richmond are much better than a 1-4 team. They have Port Adelaide next week at AAMI Stadium. Thanks for joining us. Don't forget to follow The Roar on Facebook and Twitter... and you can follow me on Twitter @TheSportsFreak. Have a good week, and look forward to bringing you more footy next weekend.
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
A couple of really key misses late from the TIgers. Riewoldt should have slotted his kick from 25m out with 3:30 to go, Deledio's kick was a tough one... but kickable nonetheless.
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
FINAL | West Coast Eagles 16.11 107 def. Richmond 14.13 97 Goalscorers Rich: Brad Miller 3, Dustin Martin 2, Tyrone Vickery 2, Daniel Jackson 2, Jack Riewoldt 2, Trent Cotchin 1, Brandon Ellis 1, Ivan Maric 1 WCE: Jack Darlin 4, Josh Hill 3, Chris Masten 2, Quinten Lynch 2, Ashton Hams 2, Scott Selwood 1, Dean Cox 1, Josh Kennedy 1 Player Stats Andrew Gaff (WCE) 15 kicks, 15 handballs, 10 contested possessions, 9 marks Trent Cotchin (Rich) 17 kicks, 12 handballs, 4 clearances, 5 free kicks, 6 inside 50's, 4 rebound 50's Daniel Kerr (WCE) 12 kicks, 16 handballs, 17 contested possessions, 4 tackles, 8 clearances Nathan Foley (Rich) 12 kicks, 15 handballs, 15 contested possessions, 7 tackles, 7 clearances Team Stats Disposals: Rich 348-321; Contested Possessions: WCE 136-134; Marks: Rich 104-73; Clearances: Rich 38-34; Time In Forward 50: Rich 51%-49%
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Four goals straight in the last quarter for the Eagles.
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
I think both of them have been admirable in the last couple of weeks. GWS against North Melbourne were horrible... Q1 against WCE was bad... other than that, they've put up a fight. GC have been up and down. Had two good games, but yesterday showed there's plenty to offer!
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Richmond are still a couple of steps behind the best teams. But they are definitely getting closer, not further away ...
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
FINAL | West Coast Eagles 16.11 107 def. Richmond 14.13 97 Quite an amazing finish. The Eagles are undefeated in a ripper of a contest. Daniel Kerr had an incredible second half. Matt Priddis was strong all day. But the Tigers almost snatched it from them. Cotchin & Deledio both had stand out matches. Missed opportunities late though hurt them. Another honourable loss... but they need to start turning these sort of losses into wins sometime soon, or a chance at the finals will be lost. There is some doubt on Josh Kennedy and his ankle. A lot will be talked about that out West this week.
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
Q4 0:06 left | Rich 14.13 97 | WCE 16.11 107 Snap on goal from Jack Darling.... GOAL! That's the ball game. JD's kicked 4. What a ripper of a finish!
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
Q4 0:48 left | Rich 14.13 97 | WCE 15.11 101 Matt White kicks inside 50 - Riewoldt almost takes the mark... WATERS!!!! WOW! What a mark! Match winner quite possibly.
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
Q4 1:25 left | Rich 14.13 97 | WCE 15.11 101 Hams handballs to Rosa.... then kicks to the pocket. But marked by Alex Rance. Tigers away...
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Despite the predictable whiners, all the GWS and GC games have been pretty good too :)
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Oh dear oh dear oh dear
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
The good matches outweigh the bad this season. Absolute crackers so far.
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
Q4 2:23 left | Rich 14.13 97 | WCE 15.11 101 Ashton Hams gets knocked in the head - free kick against Shane Tuck. A slight reprieve for West Coast.
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
Q4 2:48 left | Rich 14.13 97 | WCE 15.11 101 Trent Cotchin with a good mark across half forward. Finds Brett Deledio. He'll kick the ball from 53m out... this for the lead.......... Just misses!
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
Q4 3:26 left | Rich 14.12 96 | WCE 15.11 101 Tyrone Vickery finds Houli free. Kicks to RIEWOLDT! Takes the mark. Should kick it from 25m out...? Nope. Oh deary...
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
There have been some great games of footy this year
TheSportsFreak
Roar Guru
Q4 5:20 left | Rich 14.11 95 | WCE 15.11 101 Daniel Kerr - masterful second half. 14 possessions, numerous clearances, a couple of smothers. Impact has been enormous.