The Richmond Tigers are looking to end their losing streak against the Collingwood Magpies in their twilight encounter at the MCG.
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It looked as if the Tigers may have found some form in the first half of last week’s game against the Kangaroos. Then they capitulated in the second half with sloppy skills and undisciplined play.
The Tigers need improved play from their bottom group of players to support their star players who are carrying a heavy burden this season.
Trent Cotchin is averaging a career-high in disposals this season, although he looks to have less explosiveness than previous seasons due to carrying a calf injury. As a result he is handballing more and hitting the scoreboard less.
Dustin Martin has been prolific in the middle this year and like Cothin, is having a career year possession wise. The coaching staff would like to spell Martin near the goals more to add some more firepower to the side but with injuries to Brett Deledio and Reece Conca have been unable to afford the luxury this season.
Last week the Magpies failed to get some breathing distance on the pack with their loss to Geelong and while they still sit third are only a game clear of 12th place.
Nathan Buckley has slowly been integrating a batch of youngsters into his side who are now starting to mature and produce consistently for the Magpies.
The likes of Jack Frost, Tim Broomhead, Marley Williams and Paul Seedsman have strengthened the Magpie underbelly with their improvement. When added to more established youngsters in Jamie Elliott, Taylor Adams and Brodie Grundy, the Magpies are building the foundations of a challenger.
Travis Cloke’s goal kicking yips are becoming the stuff of folklore, with the regularity he misses close shots at goal and slots long bombs from the boundary producing its own game within a game each week.
At the selection table, the Magpies have omitted Tony Armstrong with his likely replacement to be their prized no.5 draft pick Jordan De Goey who has shown excellent form in the VFL over recent weeks.
At Tigerland they swung the axe and are looking at youthful enthusiasm to inject into the side lacking spark. Liam McBean has started capitalising on his considerable talent by kicking a few bags in the VFL in recent weeks and looks a likely replacement for Ben Griffiths if he cannot get up from his bout of concussion.
Prediction:
We should a raucous crowd at the ‘G for this match with both sets of supporters well known for their passion. The Tigers are hoping youth can help kick-start their season but as Collingwood have learnt over the past few seasons, with youth comes inconsistency.
Collingwood had a bit of a setback last week with a poor performance but the Tigers are yet to fire a meaningful shot this season. The Pies look too good for the Tigers here.
Collingwood by 30 points.
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Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
The Richmond Tigers have held on for a thrilling victory over the Collingwood Magpies in this twilight clash at the MCG. The win ends a losing streak of 3 games to the Tigers and will fill the team with renewed optimism with their youthful inclusions standing up to the pressure. Collingwood jumped out to a fast start, kicking the first four goals of the match before the Tigers managed one through Vickery before the quarter ended. Damien Hardwick’s quarter time address must have been truly inspirational as they game out or the huddle full of intensity. They slammed on 5 goals straight to take the lead from the Magpies and were able to hold onto a 12 point lead at half time. Travis Cloke looked in ominous form matched up against second gamer Todd Elton tallying 9 possessions, 7 marks and 2 goals in the first half. Alex Rance was shifted onto Cloke at the end of the second quarter and was able to dull his impact somewhat. In the second half both teams traded runs with every goal followed by two or three more before a change in momentum. It resulted in a 1 point lead to the Magpies heading into the final quarter and ensured a thrilling finish. The Tigers stars lifted with Trent Cotchin winning the ball all over the field, collecting 32 for the game and setting up scoring attacks for his team. Brett Deledio found form up forward and leading strongly and kicking two critical last quarter goals. It was a close and tense final few minutes as the Magpies made a final push, but they lacked composure, which resulted in turnovers and time ticking away. In the end the Tigers were able to hold off the Magpies for what could prove to be a season defining victory. FULL TIME SCORE TIGERS 16.9.105 MAGPIES 15.10.100 My Best 3 votes – Trent Cotchin , 32 possessions (18 contested), 6 clearances, 7 inside 50’s, 2 goals 2 votes –Brett Deledio , 30 possessions (10 contested), 13 marks, 2 goals 1 vote–Dane Swan , 32 possessions (17 contested), 11 clearances, 2 goals
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
I'm not that influential :evil: A Jessie White miss at the top of the goal square was all that separated the teams today.
Rob McHugh
Roar Guru
This is all your fault.
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
What a game, well done to both teams for putting on a show! Just as it looked like the Magpies had shaken off the Tigers they rallied and burst to the lead which would win them the game. It would be one of the rare times both teams have kicked triple figures this season. I think its the 3rd time but not sure, if anyone know let us know in the comments. Thanks for joining me, wrap up to follow.
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
TIGERS WIN by 5 points
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
GOAL MAGPIES Witts marks in front of goal but by the time he runs back and kicks it the siren sounds. TIGERS 16.9.105 MAGPIES 15.10.100 Q4 - 0.00
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
Numbers around the ball have seen multiple throw-ins Q4 - 0.57
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
Tigers trying to shut this down, Magpies rushing their decisions Q4 - 1.17
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
BEHIND TIGERS Ellis' shot hits the post TIGERS 16.9.105 MAGPIES 14.10.94 Q4 - 3.53
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
GOAL TIGERS Tigers work it forward from the bounce, Grigg with the sweeping handball to Reiwoldt who snaps over his body casually for a goal. TIGERS 16.8.104 MAGPIES 14.10.94 Q4 - 4.14
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
GOAL TIGERS Tigers stream forward in a wave, the ball is chipped into the forward 50 to Vickery who walks back to take his kick, ignoring the free men close to goal. Fortunately for him he kicks it and now the Tigers lead. TIGERS 15.8.98 MAGPIES 14.10.94 Q4 - 4.33
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
GOAL MAGPIES End-to-end footy results in Grundy laying a lovely pass to Blair on the lead. He kicks the goal and gives the lead back to the Magpies! TIGERS 14.8.92 MAGPIES 14.10.94 Q4 - 7.23
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
BEHIND MAGPIES White marks in the pocket, he decides to play on and snap over his body but misses. TIGERS 14.8.92 MAGPIES 13.10.88 Q4 - 9.18
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
He is not a fan of his goal kicking that's for sure.
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
GOAL MAGPIES Varcoe snaps towards goal and White marks it at the top of the goal square. This time he kicks it. TIGERS 14.8.92 MAGPIES 13.9.87 Q4 - 10.59
Rob McHugh
Roar Guru
Leigh Matthews just hates Jesse White haha
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
GOAL TIGERS Deledio leads and marks the ball at the exact spot as before and kicks it again. He is playing deep forward and is looking very dangerous. TIGERS 14.8.92 MAGPIES 12.9.81 Q4 - 12.05
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
GOAL TIGERS Deledio marks the ball 40m out on a slight angle and kicks truly. Tigers back in front! TIGERS 13.8.86 MAGPIES 12.9.81 Q4 - 13.47
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
BEHIND TIGERS Martins's long shot is punched through by Frost TIGERS 12.8.80 MAGPIES 12.9.81 Q4 - 14.53
Jayme Markus
Roar Guru
BEHIND TIGERS Menadue wins the free for high contact within scoring range. His kick stays right. TIGERS 12.7.79 MAGPIES 12.9.81 Q4 - 15.10