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Richmond return to the finals for the first time since 2001 and will face Carlton after the Blues produced an unbelievable comeback last week to defeat Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium. Join us for live scores and udpates from 3.20pm AEST.
While this is a massive game for both clubs, the story is really about the Tigers who have been big improvers this year. They finished fifth on the ladder and will want to make a statement in their first finals campaign in 12 years.
Carlton managed to snap up the finals spot vacated by Essendon after they were famously denied the chance to play in September, and the Blues will be feeling confident despite Richmond’s Round 1 win over them earlier this year.
The Blues have dominated recent match-ups between the two sides winning 10 of their last 11 matches, including their most recent encounter in Round 21. Carlton managed a ten-point victory over the Tigers even after trailing by five goals at quarter time.
But in that match Petterd, Cotchin and Riewoldt all suffered injuries for Richmond, and Carlton can’t allow them that sort of start in an elimination final.
Chris Newman is expected to play this week to play his first finals game in his storied 232-game career.
A big factor here is that Richmond has just 17 games of finals experience compared to the 92 games of Carlton. The question is whether form throughout the season or finals experience will count in this game.
Key Match ups
Zach Touhy versus Dustin Martin
This surprised everyone when Touhy went to Martin in Round 21, however it proved to be yet another Malthouse masterstroke.
Martin was in red hot form, averaging 29 disposals over his last five games, but Touhy kept Martin to a career low 10 possessions and had 11 disposals himself. Even more importantly he kept Martin to no clearances.
Trent Cotchin versus Ed Curnow
In Round 21 Cotchin was held to his season low of 14 possessions by Curnow. However with Brett Deledio proving a game-breaker Malthouse might choose to use Curnow on Deledio.
Either way, Curnow will be up for the challenge, last week his final-quarter job on a rampaging Brad Ebert was crucial to the Blues winning the game.
He held Ebert to two possessions in the last term after he had kicked four goals and had 21 possessions in the first three quarters.
Michael Jamison versus Jack Riewoldt
In Round 1 Riewoldt was used in a different role than what he usually plays. He played high up the ground and took Jamison out of his comfort zone. Although Riewoldt finished with 0.4 and 15 possessions he was praised for his unselfishness that day.
Jamison got his revenge in Round 21 when he was moved onto the former Coleman medallist, keeping him goalless after he was moved onto Riewoldt.
Richmond defenders versus Carlton’s small forwards
If Richmond wants to win this game they will have to shut down the indigenous trio of Eddie Betts, Jeff Garlett and Chris Yarran.
When this trio plays well the Blues usually do well. They are crafty players who are primed for a big-game performance against the Tigers.
The coaches
It will be well documented before the game the vast difference in coaching experience. Mick Malthouse will be coaching in his 20th final series and this will be his 51st final. His record stands at 26 wins, 22 losses and two draws.
Damian Hardwick will be coaching in his first final.
The prediction
Expect this game to be big, as both have so much to lose. Recent history tells you that Carlton should do well, but this is a new Richmond side that is hungry for success.
Tip:
Tigers by five.
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