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Launceston sees their first taste of AFL for 2013 as the NAB Cup makes its visit with Hawthorn taking on Richmond in the last round of the pre-season competition. We’ll have live scores and commentary from 1.10pm AEDT.
Surprisingly Hawthorn is yet to taste victory in the 2013 NAB Cup, while Richmond is an outside chance to make the final with two wins from three.
The Hawks were always going to be a little behind the eight-ball during the pre-season, starting around five to six weeks later than most of their rivals.
So to see outrun in the closing stages against the Western Bulldogs wasn’t a massive surprise to the Hawks fan who is watching closely.
Coach Alastair Clarkson has admitted though they need to shape up quickly before round one against Geelong.
There could be some big inclusions on the way against the Tigers – Grant Birchall, Shaun Burgoyne and Xavier Ellis will likely return.
Coming back from slight injuries are Paul Puopolo and Cyril Rioli, but the big intrigue could surround Luke Hodge if he’s named.
Clarkson dropped the hint Hodge could get a start after last week’s loss, but if he does, don’t expect a lot of game time.
Richmond is coming off a ripping finish at Wangaratta against the Bombers, where they fought back from a couple of goals down midway through the final quarter to get up by eight points.
This was a solid hitout for some of the younger guns coming through the ranks at Tigerland as they had no Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio or Ivan Maric to come to the rescue.
It signals a sign of things to come from Richmond, who are set to take on the top eight in 2013 with the second-stringers battling hard for permanent spots.
One of those is Nick Vlastuin, who was the number nine draft pick at the end of last year. He’s looked very slick and silky throughout the warm up matches and is almost a certainty to get picked for round one.
Cotchin, Deledio and Maric are expected to make their return for this NAB Cup match, while defender Troy Chaplin could also come into the squad.
The Tigers will be seeing this as a dress rehearsal for round one. A victory here today could quash the usual ‘ninth-place finish’ talk and see them as serious contenders for the season.
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