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Melbourne were the better side tonight, they will have a good year. The pressure mounts on Damien Hardwick as they play Port Adelaide next week. To make matters worse, Alex Rance looks certain to miss a week due to a report. Jack Riewoldt will also battle to overcome an ankle injury.
REPORT: DEMONS OUTLAST TIGERS IN THRILLER
Final score
Melbourne Demons 20.9 (129)
Richmond Tigers 14.12 (96)
In a huge game for both sides to keep in touch with the Top 8, the Melbourne Demons take on the Richmond Tigers at the MCG. Join The Roar for all the action on ANZAC eve from 7:10pm (AEST).
With the exception of the loss to Essendon, Melbourne’s form has been above expectations. Wins against Greater Western Sydney and the narrow loss to North Melbourne is a solid form line. With winnable games against St Kilda and Gold Coast upcoming, a win against the Tigers could set up an unlikely charge up the league ladder.
Richmond on the other hand are coming off three straight losses. They should have beaten Collingwood, lost to Adelaide and got belted albeit on probably the toughest road trip in the competition by West Coast.
Richmond have two big inclusions. Brett Deledio returns after finally overcoming a quad strain. Statistically Richmond’s record is far superior when Deledio plays. The other big inclusion is their barometer Ivan Maric who returns from a back injury.
There are three other inclusions with Jake Batchelor, Anthony Miles, and Steven Morris being named. Making way are Nick Vlastuin and Shaun Hampson (both with leg injuries), while Andrew Moore, Taylor Hunt and Ben Lennon have been omitted.
Melbourne also has some great inclusions. Last year’s best and fairest winner, Bernie Vince, returns after a suspension and Jeff Gartlett has overcome an ankle injury.
Young gun Christian Petracca will have to spend another week in the reserves after being named as an emergency. His 29 disposals last week was not enough for him to force his way into the side. Another first-round draft pick Clayton Oliver is being rested and Matt Jones is also being managed with soreness.
The Demons appear to be building something with Max Gawn in the ruck in great form. He and Jack Viney are becoming a very effective duo around stoppages. The much maligned Jack Watts’ form has also been very positive. Richmond on the other hand are a team that is struggling to get anything going and as such lacking are confidence. Alex Rance, Jack Riewoldt, and Trent Cotchin, who were the best players for Richmond last week, are going to need some support to beat the Demons.
Prediction
Richmond need to get their season back on track and with Deledio and Maric into the side they will be just too good for the Demons. If not, the pressure next week on the Richmond coach, Damien Hardwick, will be immense.
Richmond by 18 points.
Join The Roar from 7:10pm (AEDT) as we bring you all the action from this Round 5 match.
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