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A ripper of a contest at the home of football in the traditional timeslot as Hawthorn and Richmond do battle in a huge game for the Tigers. Live scores and commentary kicks off from 2.10pm AEST.
A big crowd is expected for this afternoon’s match with the Hawks in imperious form, while the Tigers are in their best form arguably since the early 1980s.
Hawthorn showed their superiority last Friday night when they wiped the floor with the Bombers, with Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead combining for 12 goals in a devastating performance.
Knowing that the rest of the competition is trying to gain ground, the Hawks’ run into the finals is fierce, starting with this game.
They should not be taking the Tigers lightly, despite the current form they find themselves in.
Last year’s runners-up ended up copping a hiding from the Tigers in the only game they played against each other last year by over ten goals!
No doubt the midfield of Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis will be important.
It is imperative that the defensive line hold up, with Richmond forward Jack Riewoldt lurking.
Brian Lake seems a new man in new clothes at the Hawks, while he’ll get some help from one of the best defenders of the year, Josh Gibson.
Richmond will undoubtedly be hoping Reiwoldt gets the same sort of freedom that he found in last year’s Round 9 game, where he booted six goals.
Last week was a serious test for the Tigers, facing up against an intimidating Sydney Swans team in the harbour city.
The loss didn’t necessarily mean a fail, but they certainly knew after the final siren that they’re still a fair way off the top two or three teams.
Realistically, they have one more testing match before the finals begin – that will be in the final round against the Bombers (and who knows what team they will be like at that point).
So the Tigers have to go full-on this afternoon.
The midfield battle will be important for the Tigers with the likes of Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio and Daniel Jackson to continue their strong form throughout the season.
Today’s battle is about belonging with the big boys – so far they’ve failed on most of the tests of wills.
But if they can keep the firey forwards of the Hawks quiet in some way throughout the game, there’s a chance the Tigers can put up a fair old fight.
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