The Richmond Tigers have started the year with three wins after overcoming a wasteful West Coast Eagles team at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Richmond Tigers 11.10.76
West Coast Eagles 8.17.65
The Richmond Tigers will be looking for three in a row when they host the West Coast Eagles this Saturday afternoon at the MCG. Both teams are off to a flyer, and a win would give either side a huge and unexpected jump on the pack. Join The Roar from 2:10pm AEST for live scores and commentary.
The Tigers outlasted a dreadful Collingwood last Thursday in a forgettable contest. When the whips were cracking Richmond’s cream rose to the top – Dustin Martin menaced all night, Jack Riewoldt found some touch, and Trent Cotchin played with an attacking flair and freedom that hasn’t been seen in years. Collectively though they will need to be better to take down the Eagles.
The Eagles eventually got passed the dogged Saints, running out 19-point winners in thoroughly entertaining contest. Josh J Kennedy was the hero, after being well held for most of the night but broke free when it mattered most. Elliott Yeo continued his flirtation with stardom in another commanding performance, Andrew Gaff and Matthew Priddis also provided their usual support.
The Tigers lose Ben Griffiths and Shaun Edwards to injury, this is really the first injuries that Richmond has sustained for the year so they still field a strong side. West Coast gains Lewis Jetta back, his pace and ability to break lines will be invaluable on the wide expanses of the MCG.
Big game for
Alex Rance – it has been a slightly subdued start for a man of his considerable talents, and this week he has the most daunting job in football. If you stop Josh J Kennedy you can stop the Eagles.
Sam Mitchell – He has nothing left to prove on the MCG, but something tells me he will be hell bent on putting in a vintage performance on his first trip back. Look for him to go head to head with his fellow 2012 Brownlow medallist as well.
Prediction
The Tigers might sit 2 – 0, but they have been far from convincing so far. I am yet to be sold on their depth, and I feel like shutting down Dustin Martin will win the Eagles the game. West Coast is traditionally shaky on the road, but I feel they will be too strong across the board for a plucky Richmond.
West Coast by 18
Join The Roar from 2:10pm AEST for live scores and commentary.
Patrick McGeoch
Roar Guru
» Click here to read the full match report
Patrick McGeoch
Roar Guru
Full time: Richmond 11.10.76 def West Coast 8.17.65
Patrick McGeoch
Roar Guru
76 - 65 Tigers LeCras gets a late goal off the pack.... Looks too late though as there 1.40 to play.
Patrick McGeoch
Roar Guru
76 - 59 Tigers And thats the ballgame!!!! The Eagles, up against the clock forces the kick which gets intercepted inside their defensive 50! Rioli and others walk it in and make it a certainty!
Patrick McGeoch
Roar Guru
70 - 59 Tigers Josh Hill doesnt score from a touch chance! 2.41 to play id say this one is in the bank.
Patrick McGeoch
Roar Guru
70 - 59 Tigers 3.25 to play, Tigers holding up!
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Oh wow, didn't realise how inaccurate the Eagles have been! Richmond's just about wrapped this one up, I'd think.
Patrick McGeoch
Roar Guru
70 - 59 Tigers Reiwoldt!! Richmond push and push and push, and the result is a gutsy Reiwoldt chest mark and good finish! Long way back for the Eagles now.
Patrick McGeoch
Roar Guru
64 - 59 Tigers Butler misses a sitter that would have sealed it! the battle, therefore, is still on!
Patrick McGeoch
Roar Guru
63 - 59 Tigers Eagles try desperately to score but LeCras diving effort is only for another point..... 7 mins to play!
Patrick McGeoch
Roar Guru
63 - 48 Tigers Richmond are pressing!! if they get the one its over!
Patrick McGeoch
Roar Guru
63 - 58 Tigers the quarter is half way gone.... Tigers 10 minutes from a 3 zip start!
Patrick McGeoch
Roar Guru
63 - 57 Tigers Tigers get a minor score as it continues to be impossible to play!
Patrick McGeoch
Roar Guru
62 - 57 6 min of playing time for 1 point, but its been captivating!!
Patrick McGeoch
Roar Guru
62 - 57 Tigers Just a slog at the moment.... It is pouring down! noone can take it cleanly!
Patrick McGeoch
Roar Guru
playing again!!
Patrick McGeoch
Roar Guru
3qt Richmond 9.8.62 lead WC 7.14.56 Well its all there for the Tigers now! they got the lift from their midfield and took complete control of the game. Dusty Martin is dominating every time hes in a stoppage.... They need to maintain the rage. The Eagles just need to get their hands on it. they were standing still for a lot of that quarter and are lucky to be this close! they need a lift from the midfield, and their small forwards will need to be dangerous with running setting in. My money would be on the Tigers from here but they do know how to lose a game!! Great finish coming up!
Patrick McGeoch
Roar Guru
62 - 55 Tigers Brilliant goal from Butler caps off minutes of hard work! They're all over the Eagles here....
Patrick McGeoch
Roar Guru
56 - 55 Tiges Rain is heavy now, its becoming a slog and pure effort will get a team over the line!
Patrick McGeoch
Roar Guru
56 -55 still a deadlock