Round 4 of the AFL commemorates Anzac Day, and two traditional Victorian clubs kick it off on Friday night as the Richmond Tigers meet the Melbourne Demons. Join The Roar for all the action from the ‘G from 7:40pm (AEST).
The Tigers have started the season with two wins from three and have a great chance to consolidate their ladder position with another win.
They have been strengthened by the form of their key forwards, Jack Riewoldt and Ben Griffiths.
Griffiths is keeping Tyrone Vickery out of the side and is one of the leading mark takers in the league. Meanwhile, Riewoldt has 10 goals and is providing a consistent avenue to goal – one that the Demons will need to counter in order to have any chance in this game.
Captain Trent Cotchin is a high disposal winner and will no doubt face Melbourne tagger Bernie Vince this week. Should Cotchin prevail in this contest it will propel the Tigers to a win.
The Demons don’t get to play on Friday night very often and have stated this week that they would like to make Anzac eve an annual game. For this to happen they will need to perform in front of the large TV audience.
One win only so far this year says they are still coming to grips with Paul Roos’ game plan, although it may all click soon based on a credible performance in Adelaide last week.
Young gun Jack Watts was singled out in this game for crucial dropped marks and would be keen to atone from those glaring mistakes.
At the selection table the Tigers are again without Brett Deledio, who still can’t shake a nagging calf injury. Draftee Nathan Drummond from the Murray Bushrangers will make his debut.
The Demons have lost young tall Sam Frost to injury.
Two key players for the Demons this time around will be Tom McDonald and Mark Jamar. McDonald will take on Riewoldt, and on the back of some impressive marking in the early season this duel will be crucial in the outcome of the game.
Jamar rucks against Ivan Maric and likewise the winner of the hit outs will influence the result by giving their midfielders first use of the ball.
Prediction
The Tigers will prove too strong and have too many forward options for the Demons to cover. They are deserved favourites and the Demons may find the heat of the big stage too much to handle.
Tigers to win by 40 points.
Can the Tigers stop their ‘win one, lose one’ record, or will the Demons rise to the occasion and make their members proud on such an important weekend? Join The Roar from 7:50pm for score updates and debate in our live blog.
Bill Larkin
Guest
Richmond have beaten Carlton and Brisbane, likely bottom four teams this year, and have lost to the Bulldogs and Demons, who won't make the eight. A long year for the Tiges.
joe b
Guest
I wonder if the footy scribes will be targeting Hardwick and his coaching tenure this week, giving Malthouse a bit of a breather on the bench? Gotta admit, the Tigers are frustrating. Well done Melbourne.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
At least Cam softened the blow marginally by tipping the Dees. Arctic cold comfort though. I've a soft spot for the Tiges as Richo was my favourite player for a long time, but gee they are an awfully frustrating side.
Bobbo7
Guest
They are rubbish. Very poor display
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
MATCH REVIEW Melbourne def Richmond 12.11.83 to 6.15.51. A win by 32 points. Melbourne have caused the upset at a wet MCG on Friday night footy. A great result for Melbourne supporters, as they see a glimpse into the future. So many youngsters showed they have what it takes to lead this team up the ladder. Melbourne were more composed in a tight first half, with Richmond failing to convert mutiple forward entries. After half time Melbourne took control by being more polished in difficult conditions and scored 6 goals to 1 in this time. Garlett, Hogan, and Dawes all kicked 2 while for Richmond Edwards kicked 2. My Best Player was Aaron Vandenberg. A new addition from the ACT he had 11 tackles and was a driving force forward of the centre and kept the Richmond defence under pressure all night. Berne Vince did a great job restricting Cotchin. Nathan Jones was his usual inspirational leader and Jesse Hogan...what can you say. Melbourne supporters will be bunking him up but he certainly looks like he is a great tall forward and one who can win you matches. For Richmond Ivan Maric tried hard in the Ruck. Sean Grigg had plenty of it and Shane Edwards was very strong early. Richmond expected to win and let themselves down. They have a few players out but don't have the depth in their squad to win consistently. It doesn't get easier next week against the Cats. Melbourne would be thrilled with that effort. Their skills stood out and they look like they are on the right track with their improvement. Overall Melbourne were the best team tonight. Their pressure on the ball carrier created turnovers and they were able to convert their chances for in the end a convincing win by 32 points.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
I'd argue bottom 4 regardless. They've already gone down to Melbourne and the Bulldogs..
Jack
Guest
Richmond are a very average and over rated team. They lose cotchin to injury possibly bottom 4
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
FULL TIME. TIGERS 6.15.51 DEMONS 12.11.83
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
The last rites being played out. Richmond's disposal continues to be sloppy. TIGERS 6.14.50 DEMONS 12.10.82 Q4 4'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
CROWD 58000 TIGERS 6.14.50 DEMONS 12.10.82 Q4 6'
slane
Guest
Richmond are a very painful team to follow. This game is a carbon copy of last year's. They haven't learnt a thing.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
GOAL DEMONS Jesse Hogan slots one from the boundary after a great pack mark. Hogan looks the goods! Melbourne fans have renewed hope in Hogan. They now lead by 31 and the game is as good as over. TIGERS 6.14.50 DEMONS 12.9.81 Q4 10'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
GOAL DEMONS Vince kicks a long goal . He has done a terrific job on Cotchin as well. TIGERS 6.14.50 DEMONS 11.9.75 Q4 13'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
Tight play both sides trying to get the important first goal. TIGERS 6.14.50 DEMONS 10.9.69 Q3 16'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
INJURY Melbourne have lost Jetta with concussion. Down to 2 on bench.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
Not sure on stat but I think you're right!
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
Melbourne 4 goals to 1 in the premiership quarter. They were just more determined and up for the fight in the wet. Leading goalscorers Dawes and Garlett with 2 and Edwards with 2 Vandenberg,Jones and Brayshaw all playing strong terrific footy for Melbourne. Richmond's best to 3 qtr time are Edwards,Ellis and Riewoldt. 20 points should be enough in the wet. Richmond have to show something here if they think they are a top side.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
3 QTR TIME TIGERS 6.13.49 DEMONS 10.9.69 Melbourne by 20 points.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
GOAL TIGERS Edwards gets one back for Richmond. Gee that needed that! TIGERS 6.13.49 DEMONS 10.8.68 Q3 1'
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
DEMONS GOAL Garlett crumbs a goal! Melbourne extend lead. TIGERS 5.13.43 DEMONS 10.8.68 Q3 2'