Richmond have reaffirmed their status as the AFL’s masters of pressure, breaking clear of Collingwood to win by 43 points.
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Final score
Collingwood Magpies 10.10.70
Richmond Tigers 16.17.113
A rejuvenated Collingwood Magpies will face their toughest test of the season so far against the reigning premiers, the Richmond Tigers. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 3:20pm (AEST).
It has to be said. What a turnaround from Nathan Buckley’s Collingwood. The season had the potential to blow over fairly quickly after a lean start, but the past few weeks the Pies have not only got reward for effort, but they have got the reward for simply being better than their opposition.
They were outstanding on Anzac Day and really did put the Essendon Bombers to the sword. Adam Treloar was superb and claimed the Anzac Day medal. Buckley will be hoping Treloar can lead the troops again against the Tigers.
In team news for the Pies, Ben Crocker and Travis Varcoe both come out as they are rested. Chris Mayne and Jarryd Blair come into the side.
As for the Tigers, at this point of the season, they look the best team in the competition. They are the only team that seem to have the ability to put a consistent four quarters together every week.
The one area that many have been critical of the Tigers at the beginning of the season was the reliance on Dustin Martin. In previous weeks, there has been a much more even spread of contributors, and they look a better outfit for it.
They’ll be thereabouts again this season. With the competition so even, they have every chance to win another premiership.
Jack Higgins looks a real find from the recent draft, and who knows, he could prove to be the best of the bunch if he continues the current form he is in. He doesn’t necessarily get an awful amount of the ball, but when he does he uses it to great effect.
In team news for the Tigers, Brandon Ellis, Sam Lloyd and Jacob Townsend are all omitted. Nick Vlaustuin, Josh Caddy and Jack Graham are the three replacements.
Prediction
Despite the improvement in Buckley’s side, Richmond just seem to have too much for most sides at the minute. The frantic pressure they apply from contest to contest will be too much for the Pies.
The Tigers by 19
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 3:20pm (AEST).
Knoxy
Guest
One of the things I love about attending matches is that I don't have to listen to that obnoxious twit.
Philby
Guest
I'm not a fan either.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Obviously didn't take your kids to the G dude. What's up?
Virgil Starkwell
Guest
Sorry, tenth placed team. My mistake.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
A valid point Slane, it was worth a shot to try and pinch it, in the end Richmond flattered by the scoreboard, a 20-25 point win turned into 40+. They are good the Tigers though and by far the current team to beat.
Gungadin
Guest
They are starting to look like a football team now. I thought Mason Cox should have been in Pagans Paddock in the last quarter. I thoght we lacked some strength, that will come with time. If they continue on with this sort of endeavour the improvement will be obvious. I have lost faith in Bucks.
Virgil Starkw
Guest
It was the reigning premiers vs last season’s 13th placed team, who did actually manage to stick on gamely for two & a half quarters. What’s your point?
Slane
Guest
The only times that the Pies scored with any freedom they had to open themselves up to be scored against. It's a hard balancing act for any team.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
After a four day break it was never about this game , more about the next. Pies need to get straight back on the winners side or the new found confidence could be in trouble. Scoreboard didn't tell the full story, just had no legs left in the last 15-20.
Afl rulz
Guest
Another blowout
Birdman
Guest
Pies had a real crack but the Tiges have the pressure to crack any team - both teams made it a contest until real late. Tiges are the best team in it atm and the Pies are suddenly very competitive but I'm not sure they will play finals this year.
Slane
Guest
God I hate listening to BT. How awesome were the Pies??? They were immense. Only went down by 43..
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Cheers for joining me, hope you enjoyed the call!
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Great game for three quarters, thoughts Roarers?
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Full Time Castagna snaps a goal to finish the game! The Pies were brave, but the Tigers just had too much in the final quarter. Collingwood Magpies: 10.10 (70) Richmond Tigers: 16.17 (113)
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Goal 00.41 - Caddy gets another, and it's a big win for the Tigers. Collingwood Magpies: 10.10 (70) Richmond Tigers: 15.17 (107)
Dan in Devon
Guest
He is only young. Tigers small forwards and midfield a class apart. Collingwood abandoned the game plan today for whatever reason - they need to run and handball their way through the midfield into the forward line. This is a good loss for them. Hopefully this chip kicking through the midfield and bombing it into 50 will be rectified.
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Behind 01.11 - Minor for the Pies. Collingwood Magpies: 10.10 (70) Richmond Tigers: 14.17 (101)
Birdman
Guest
looks like another broken Reid brother.
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
Goal 03.13 - Butler kicks his third! Collingwood Magpies: 10.9 (69) Richmond Tigers: 14.17 (101)