Footy is back this Thursday night as the Pies and Tigers go head to head in what could be one of the biggest games this year.
Both sides will be raring to go after the COVID-19 break with both teams heading into this clash after a win in Round 1.
Collingwood were dominant over the Bulldogs after that game was set to be the game of the round. Darcy Cameron comes into the side after a promising training run as well as his strong pre-season performances.
He will provide a second ruck option for the Pies, which could pose a strong threat against the Tigers, with Ivan Soldo being the number one ruck for the Tigers. Toby Nankervis sits on the emergency list at this point in time.
Cameron provides a potent attacking option for Collingwood and therefore could quickly become the new replacement for the out-of-form Mason Cox.
From a Richmond perspective, it’s difficult to say where they’re at after that Round 1 performance against the Blues. Could the lack of crowd support affect the side after the Tiger Army has been so influential in their success over the last few years?
(Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
At one point, it seemed as if they’d stream away to slaughter the Blues by more than ten goals but they slipped up late in the piece to give Carlton some hope.
The return of Jack Higgins after his brain surgery will be an emotional one as he adds plenty of energy and creativity in that forward line as part of the Tigers’ famous mosquito fleet.
Collingwood run with a generally tall defence so the likes of Daniel Rioli, Jason Castagna, Liam Baker, Shai Bolton and Higgins could prove to be huge issues for the Collingwood defence.
On the contrary, the Pies were able to hold the Bulldogs to just 34 points in Round 1 so perhaps there is an underrated versatility in their back line.
It’s difficult to say who has the upper hand heading into this clash with such a long break between rounds, although the Tigers shape as slight favourites.
Collingwood could struggle defensively if the small forwards of the Tigers are switched on. But simultaneously, Richmond’s lack of second ruck stocks could prove a problem if Collingwood are getting the majority of the hit-outs, providing first use for their high quality midfielders.
Nevertheless, the game will be a blockbuster, and in any other year, would grab 90,000 fans. Two of the best midfields will go head to head in what could well be one of the biggest games that we’ll see in season 2020.
Maxy
Roar Rookie
marxs brothers or abbott and costello...bit of whos on first whats on second
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Yes because he didn’t prove himself in match practice. Sheesh it’s like debating the Marx brothers with some of these Tiger “fans” in here. No clue.
Realist
Guest
Common knowledge I'd say....I'll take an independent appraisal over your opinion any day. Oh, and since when did you you speak for Bucks?
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Though it is Bucks' opinion that 'Stevo's forward in his preparation but we felt no-one deserved to go out of the side.' Only last night! You were very, very wrong Petie. Thought you were all over it.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Wednesday night, Nathan Buckley: Stevo's forward in his preparation but we felt no-one deserved to go out of the side.' Seems you are wrong.
Nick
Roar Guru
So, who's resorting to belittling comments when challenged? Just too easy.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Slowly for you. He is NOT recovering from glandular fever as you stated. Crossed that bridge before he was able to train fully with the rest of the team. As I said he may be behind where you want him to be fitness wise but don't get too loose with your language.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Interesting article Realist but doesn’t support anything here. It’s the authors opinion that he believes we followed the Tiger blueprint or more like Hawthorn did, it isn’t Bucks opinion, or mine.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Let me write slowly so you can understand TTF. Stevo had glandular fever in the off season which put him behind in his training with the group. Combine that with Covid restrictions and the fact he has played average practice matches, means he simply isn’t ready but soon will be. To call it a mistake is the call of someone who doesn’t follow the club so hasn’t seen him in practice matches. A mistake is playing someone who isn’t match fit like the Tigers did with Dusty in that Preliminary final.
Realist
Guest
Sorry, here's the link. https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/how-richmond-do-things-differently-to-the-other-clubs-20200610-p551ez.html
Realist
Guest
Here's a good read. Opening sentence........"Collingwood followed Richmond's cultural template for reviewing their operations, connection and vulnerability from 2017 into 2018, while Essendon are again seeking to borrow elements of the ever-evolving game style that the Tigers have unleashed on the competition over the past three seasons."
Realist
Guest
Yes, you're spot on Petie, I do live in my own fantasy world. And in that world the Tigers are the reigning Premiers!!! Oh, hang on a minute....its true....Richmond are the Premier. Maybe I'm not such a fantasist after all. Lets hope you don't get accused of the same tomorrow morning!!
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Recovered if he's taking part in scratchies, obviously. May lack fitness but that is now a separate issue.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Furphy. He's been training with the main group, playing in match simulations and been pressing his claims to play in this game. To say he hasn't earned his spot is fair but he has recovered enough to participate fully in training. Well aware he had glandular fever 6 months ago! $0 points? Yeah been hearing that for weeks now, Nostradamus. We'll see.
Realist
Guest
Higgins back and ready to trump his 2018 goal of the year, the Indigenous boys to blitz with the extra motivation of the last days/weeks, 20 of our 22 Premiership line-up playing, Pies looking undermanned in both the Midfield and Forward line. Out of the 2 Teams, I think the Tigers will benefit most from the extended break between Round 1 & 2. Hard to see the Pies turning around the 5 goal deficit from the last meeting of these 2 Teams. Tigers, not at their best tonight but still win by 15 points.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Ignorance? Lol. Clubs don't always tell it like it is. Your reliance on the word 'simple' is apt. 40 points? Yeah, been hearing it for weeks. We'll see.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Stevo hasn’t earned his spot in the lead up. Simple as that. Recovering from glandular fever put him a bit behind. Calling it a mistake is just ignorance, a simple google search would have educated you. Pies to win by 40 with Jamie Elliott and De Goey tearing it up.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Great conspiracy theory Realist. You do live in your own fantasy world don’t you?Truth is Stephenson recovering from glandular fever and has been very quiet in the scratch matches. The depth of the Pies means you have to earn your spot.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Big mistake by the Pies not to select Stephenson. With Treloar already missing they have lost their 2 players with genuine pace. Time will tell as to how much this hurts them.
Realist
Guest
Can anyone explain why no Jaidyn Stephenson in the Collingwood line-up? He's possibly their best forward and can't get a game??? There's more to that than meets the eye. Could he be on a Club imposed suspension for some new indiscretion....or something even more serious? Would love to know the truth here.