MATCH RESULT
North Melbourne 16.13 (109) def. Richmond 10.14 (74)
North Melbourne have recorded their third win of 2015 with a 35-point victory over the Tigers. After a tight first half, the Kangaroos kicked away with a 10-goal second half to run away with the victory.
Drew Petrie was dominant up forward for the Kangaroos with 21 disposals, 10 marks and a goal, whilst Anthony Miles and Dustin Martin both picked up 30 touches for the Tigers.Lindsay Thomas led everyone with five goals on the afternoon.
The Kangaroos head into a big Friday Night matchup with the Bombers in Round 7, while the Tigers host the Magpies on Sunday Afternoon.
MATCH PREVIEW
The North Melbourne Kangaroos are taking the Richmond Tigers to Blundstone Arena in Hobart for a season-defining clash for both teams. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 1:45pm (AEST).
The season hasn’t gone to plan for the Kangaroos or Tigers, both sitting on two wins and three losses, with the hole about to get even deeper for one of these teams.
The Kangaroos are coming off a disappointing 10-goal loss to the Hawks after they had built some good form in a win against the Cats and tough loss against Port Adelaide.
Todd Goldstein is the form ruckman in the competition, averaging over 40 hit outs per game, while also providing a strong presence around the ground. His battle with Richmond’s Ivan Maric will be one of the more enthralling match-ups for the game.
Ben Brown has improved considerably this season, leading the Kangaroos in goal scoring and proving a nightmare match-up with his size and agility.
While Mason Wood is little known outside of the Kangaroos faithful, he has started to cement his spot in the side and is a very talented player who gives the Kangaroos’ line-up more class.
The Tigers are coming off a nine-point loss to the Cats, although they were uncompetitive for much of the match and some late goals flattered their effort.
There is nothing wrong with the Tigers top-end talent, but they lack depth, with their bottom six types failing to make an impact most weeks. In saying that, they field a more experienced team this week with some important ins.
Bachar Houli is having a career season off half-back, providing constant drive with his pinpoint kicking along with his run and carry, and Alex Rance is your All-Australian full-back if the season ended today.
Shane Edwards has been one of the Tigers best players this season, averaging career highs in disposals and tackles per game as he pushes up higher on the field than previous season.
At the selection table, the Kangaroos will welcome the return of injured pair Luke McDonald and Jarrad Waite, while key defender Lachie Henderson comes into the line-up for the first time this season.
The Tigers have made four changes with the welcome return of Brett Deledio from a calf injury, Ben Griffiths, Nathan Gordon will add some scoring punch and Dylan Grimes to play help against a tall North Melbourne forward attack.
Prediction
I expect both teams to lay it all on the line this week knowing their season is slipping away. As a result it should be a fierce contest between the players and riveting watching for the fans. The Kangaroos have played well at their home away from home which should give them the edge.
North Melbourne by eight points.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 1:45pm (AEST).
Pasta Bob
Guest
The Northmen need to play consistent football. I know their schedule has been brutal, but they played lights out against Richmond. They had a swagger about them and their confidence was easily seen. They need to decide if they are going to play like they did against the Tigers for the remaining matches. I was happy that they played Port in the shoot out, but they need to win matches like that and stick to the plan. Some of the players are slow to react when moving the ball in the forward fifty, watching some of their indecisions is frustrating. I know the injury bug has bit them hard, but their list is loaded and they are a seasoned side. Time to play consistently like one.
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
The North Melbourne Kangaroos have defeated the Richmond Tigers by 35 points in their clash in at Blundstone Arena in Hobart. It was a disappointing showing by the Tigers are seeing their finals chances fading away each week and simply don’t look like they should be in the top 8. The first half was a tight contest, with the Kangaroos kicking away early then being reeled in by the Tigers who trailed by only 6 points at the main break after Boomer Harvey kicked a goal after the siren. It was a half was marred by inaccurate kicking for goal by both teams as easy chances went begging time and again. Chief culprits were the two Tasmanian spearhead Ben Brown and Jack Reiwoldt who had the crowd cheering their every play loudly despite their misses. In the second half the Kangaroos lifted their play and accuracy by kicking 7 goals 2 behinds in the third quarter, while the Tigers dropped their bundle by gifting their opponent numerous goals with silly free kicks. The Tigers threw Rance into the midfield for the final quarter in desperation, but he clashed head during the first bounce and had to leave the ground with blood flowing from his head. While he returned to resume his place in the middle he failed to have any impact. The Tigers were able to rally and kick the first two goals of the quarter but faded again when the Kangaroos lifted, putting heat into the contest and the game out of reach. Drew Petrie was the dominant player for the Kangaroos, running up the ground to create space for his fellow tall forwards and setting up scoring opportunities. Ben Jacobs led the team in disposals after getting a late reprieve with the late change of Jamie MacMillan. Brent Harvey and Lindsay Thomas zipped around the forward half all day and provided the Kangaroos with goal scoring power. The Tigers had winners in the midfield with Dusting Martin and Anthony Miles racking up plenty of touches. Jack Reiwoldt presented hard all day and Shane Edwards continued his form that as this season looking his best to date. The Tigers team had too many passengers today and effort which is not only subpar for finals but AFL in general. Coach Damian Hardwick is likely to face scrutiny from the media this week. While the Kangaroos bounced back well after their loss to the Hawks and look back on track to have a big say in this year’s finals. GOALS ROOS: Thomas 5, Higgins 3, Harvey 2, Nahas 2, Brown, Petrie, Waite, Wright TIGERS: Riewoldt 3, Miles 2, Martin, Edwards, Morris, Maric, Chaplin DISPOSALS ROOS: Jacobs 23, Wright 21, Harvey 21, Petrie 21, Thompson 21 TIGERS: Martin 30, Miles 30, Cotchin 28, Grigg 25, B.Ellis 23 My Best 3 votes –Drew Petrie , 21 possessions (6 contested), 10 marks, 4 inside 50’s, 4 goal assists, 1 goal 2 votes –Brent Harvey , 22 possessions (7 contested), 5 marks, 4 inside 50’s, 2 goals 1 vote–Lindsay Thomas , 13 possessions (3 contested), 5 goals
Simoc
Guest
The Tigers? So poor, yet again. When the going gets tough they don't want to know.
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
FULL TIME - ROOS win by 35 points
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
BEHIND TIGERS Rushed behind ROOS 16.13.109 TIGERS 10.14.74 Q4- 1.35
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
Rance as played the final quarter on ball. Its an interesting move but he hasn't shown to much there today.
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
GOAL TIGERS The Tigers clear the zone and Miles runs into and open forward 50, he is pushed as he kicks by drills it anyway. ROOS 16.13.109 TIGERS 10.13.73 Q4- 2.44
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
BEHIND ROOS Petrie has a snap off a step, it goes high and wide. ROOS 16.13.109 TIGERS 9.13.67 Q4- 3.21
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
GOAL TIGERS The Tigers win the ball from the kick-in and send it back inside attacking 50 where Chaplin takes a huge hanger!!! He kicks the goal, that was an impressive grab. ROOS 16.12.108 TIGERS 9.13.67 Q4- 5.39
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
BEHIND TIGERS Reiwoldt's kick slams into the post. He has been one of the few decent Tigers today. ROOS 16.12.108 TIGERS 8.13.61 Q4- 6.33
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
GOAL ROOS Nahas on the lead this time marks 30m out directly in front. He kicks the goal and it appears the Tigers have given up now. ROOS 16.12.108 TIGERS 8.12.60 Q4- 8.33
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
GOAL ROOS Nahas with the great tackle in the pocket wins the free deep in the pocket. Thomas runs around Nahas and receives the handball then quickly snaps the goal. That's 5 goals for Thomas. ROOS 15.12.102 TIGERS 8.12.60 Q4- 9.41
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
GOAL ROOS Vlastuin runs it through ROOS 14.12.96 TIGERS 8.12.60 Q4- 12.35
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
GOAL ROOS Higgins shows his class by drilling the set shot from the angle, that's his third goal. ROOS 14.11.95 TIGERS 8.12.60 Q4- 13.19
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
BEHIND ROOS Firrito sneaks a helicopter through for a point. ROOS 13.11.89 TIGERS 8.12.60 Q4- 14.34
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
BEHIND TIGERS The Tigers work it forward to the streaming Ellis who runs to 50 and shanks the kick which bounces through for a behind....just. He cops a few sprays from his forwards. ROOS 13.10.88 TIGERS 8.12.60 Q4- 15.36
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
GOAL TIGERS A bit of Reiwoldt magic! Maric misses the mark but Jack crumbs, wheels around and snaps the goal from 50m. ROOS 13.10.88 TIGERS 8.11.59 Q4- 16.38
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
GOAL TIGERS Miles takes the ball out of the pack and is tackled high by Higgins. He takes the kick and gets a much needed goal for the Tigers. ROOS 13.10.88 TIGERS 7.11.53 Q4- 17.34
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
To sum up the Tigers day, they put Rance in for the centre bounce and he smashes heads with Swallow. Rance leaves the field with blood streaming from his face.
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
Q4 underway