After last week’s loss to Carlton, Richmond can take another step towards a home final when they head north to meet GWS Giants at Skoda Stadium this afternoon. We’ll have live scores from 1.10pm AEST.
Wins over Fremantle, Hawthorn and Brisbane in the preceding month had given the impression that Richmond were steadily building towards September.
But last Saturday’s 10-point loss to the Blues was an indicator that perhaps the Tigers don’t yet have the consistency to be a genuine flag contender.
Tigers coach Damien Hardwick has made four changes to the side that lost last weekend, with Shane Edwards, Jake King, Matt White and Aaron Edwards all be included.
David Astbury and Luke McGuane have both been rested with leg soreness and Matt McDonough and Shane Tuck have both been omitted by Hardwick.
Since beating the Demons in Round 19, the Giants have registered 113 and 60-point losses to Fremantle and Brisbane respectively.
Today will be Kevin Sheedy’s final match in charge at Skoda Stadium, with the Giants heading the the Gold Coast to meet the Suns in the final round.
Sheedy has included Kristian Jaksch for his AFL debut along with Sam Darley, Dom Tyson and Taylor Adams all being added to a 25-man bench. Former Hawks defender Stephen Gilham has been omitted.
One interesting sub-plot this afternoon will be surround Giants power forward Jeremy Cameron, who currently trails Coleman Medal leader Jarryd Roughead by only four goals.
The Giants and Tigers have met just once, back in Round 12 last season, with the Tigers edging to a 12-point win.
With finals looming, the Tigers should cruise to the four points this afternoon.
Allan
Guest
They had their chance to attract locals, come into the area, respect the locals, respect the teams already there, know your place and yet the AFL did absolutely none of that. When disbelief met with frustration some ill informed comments by this apparent star coach ensured their fate.
SportsFanGC
Roar Guru
Allan - at this stage: Both. How the AFL could allow GWS to recruit the way they have and not demand more experienced players in their line up from the get go is amazing to me. Yes these kids COULD be good in 3-5 years but that is not what you should be hoping for from a team in a non-heartland area who is hoping to attract support from the locals. Big off-season of recruiting is required from West Sydney.
Allan
Guest
The match or the team ?
Mike
Guest
One word - debacle!!!