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The first match of the bye rounds begins with Port Adelaide Power hosting the Richmond Tigers at Adelaide Oval. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 7:50pm (AEST) on Friday.
It’s been a long time since Dustin Martin didn’t suit up for the Tigers and it will be a big test for the club to see if they can get their first win interstate for the season, having failed at this ground in Round 2, against the Crows.
The Power need to take advantage of this opportunity and get back on the winners’ list, after a nailbiting loss to Hawthorn last weekend by three points in Launceston.
Port can consider themselves lucky to still be in the top eight, having played one less game than all other finals-bound teams, but still have a lot of room for improvement, making this a genuine blockbuster.
For Port Adelaide, Jasper Pittard comes in to the half-back flank at the expense of Jack Hombsch.
Meanwhile, while Richmond has dropped Jack Graham and Martin is injured, Jason Castagna is in after a few weeks off, while Anthony Miles returns to the side for the first time this year. Miles’ form at VFL level has been second-to-none and he’s a chance to take out the JJ Liston Trophy this season.
Port are currently ranked second in tackles per game, while the Tigers have fewest opponent tackles per game. Richmond are also ranked second in points, second in inside 50s, and second in goal assists per game, leading the way from second place on the ladder, but this game will be won and lost in the midfield, with the Power ranked first in clearances, while the Tigers are last in hitouts.
Port will be looking to utilise the fact they’ve had a week off already before their match-up last week, with Paddy Ryder, Ollie Wines, Justin Westhoff, and the Gray brothers potent when moving into attack.
On the other hand, Richmond must look towards their second-tier players to step up in Martin’s absence.
Prediction
There will be doubts over the Tigers on the road, but they’ve proven in years gone by that they can get the job done at Adelaide Oval, where they only need to look at last year’s result against the Power.
Tigers by 10 points.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 7:50pm (AEST).
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