The Richmond Tigers are heading into the finals looking to prove the road to the title runs through them.
Teams will be looking to prevent Richmond from winning the premiership for the third time in four years.
Realistically there are probably four teams with a chance to play spoiler to Richmond: Port Adelaide, Brisbane, Geelong and West Coast.
Early on, the Tigers had their share of struggles, but they have stabilised to win 12 of their last 14 games. Every time a contender has faced them, Richmond have been able to win. They did suffer one loss, to the ladder-leading Port Adelaide back in Round 11 after a fourth-quarter collapse.
It will be interesting to see how teams will deal with Richmond’s surge mentality in the finals. The Tigers love to get the ball forward and try to play the game at their end of the field. Their best form of defence is their aggressive attack.
(Ryan Pierse/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
Richmond are one of the top teams in inside 50s and marks inside 50. They apply relentless pressure around the ball as they aim to suffocate teams and create scoring chances in their half.
Richmond have done well to overcome off-field adversity. Having dealt with backlash of some COVID-19 breaches, Damien Hardwick has got his team focused on the major goal.
“What I’ve been incredibly proud of is our resilience our players have shown. It’s been a completely different year,” Hardwick said speaking about the differences in the finals campaign from the past to now.
Richmond are one of the most complete sides in the AFL. Up front you can always rely on the tandem of Jack Riewoldt and Tom Lynch. Throw in X factors Dustin Martin and Jack Higgins and they have plenty of firepower going forward.
Duo Dylan Grimes and Dave Astbury have also done well to protect the Richmond backline. Meanwhile, Jayden Short has been the driving force in terms of gaining metres forward an having elite disposal and kick rates.
Just like the other top teams, Richmond’s midfield is also strong, as led by the likes of Shane Edwards, Kane Lambert and Dion Prestia. But one of the stories to watch is the emergence of youngster Shai Bolton. His development has been huge for Richmond as he provides the midfield with a dynamic edge.
Having suffered a few injuries, getting their players, including Astbury and Edwards, fit for finals has been huge for the team. Additionally, they expect Lynch, Bolton and Prestia to be ready for Week 1. It will certainly create some positive headaches for the Hardwick in picking his side
“There’s going to be some good players miss out, but your list has got to run deep to go as far as you can,” he said.
Overall, the make-up of their team puts Richmond up there in terms of talent. They aren’t afraid of anyone and they have tackled every challenge that has been thrown at them this season.
Who can step up and hamper the Richmond dynasty? With championship experience, the Tigers are hoping that they can outmatch their opponents both physically and mentally.
Eddie from Elwood
Roar Rookie
And that's the key, doesn't matter who the team you play is, you just have to win. That's the thing that give me confidence in my boys, they don't play against any team, they play the game.
Aaron Paul
Roar Rookie
eh Richmond will probably beat most of the other contenders, except maybe Port, who for some reason they struggle with, and being at the Gabba, port play better there, I’m not saying port are better than Richmond, they are merely paper to richmonds rock
Eddie from Elwood
Roar Rookie
Hence why, this Tiger, contrary to stereotypical opinion, remains open minded. Every team has a chance, two teams in a game, that's a 50% chance, all the other stuff, home ground etc is just conjecture, they still have to play the game!
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
If I had to put my house on the Premier in 2020, of course it is Richmond by quite a way. However, upsets can happen, particularly with these short quarters so we don't simply hand the Tigers the cup now do we Doggie?
Maxy
Roar Rookie
To be honest PTS i didnt care who we copped 1st up in finals,if we are to win it we will have to beat everyone.Richmond deserve flag favourites tag but not scared of them ....bring it on ...let the games begin
DTM
Roar Rookie
No mention of Cotchin? Great leader, great player. Tigers play much better when he's out there.
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
Richmond are paying $3.25 to win the comp & seem reasonable value at this price. But history has shown us that plenty of teams have come into the finals at a lot shorter odds & not come away with the Trophy. Essendon 2001, Geelong 2008 & Richmond 2018 spring to mind.
Nelson Sing
Roar Guru
It's all sorted now! Port is 1st and Richmond play Brisbane which i believe Richmond would rather
Dave
Roar Rookie
Sorry, stuffed the wording of the comment there. If Port rather face Geelong then they have to finish 1st which is why they’d care about position.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Pies match up well against the Cats, beat you this year, beat you in the QF last year. For Port I’d take the Cats, confidence has had a little hit and I wonder how making space for returning stars might destabilise the mix.
Nelson Sing
Roar Guru
Pretty much if they don't show up and are off their game. Could be a variety of factors: lack of adjustments from coaching, poor performances or whatever. Practically they are a good team and can beat anyone on any day. It's going to take a great performance to bring them down. I don't suspect Richmond will make the opposition's life easier by playing poorly though. Injuries could be another thing you never know what might happen in these games
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
How exactly do you do that? By treating opponents with scant respect? By not planning for contingencies, i.e. injuries in gametime or opposition coaches having plans of their own? Leaving losing match-ups in place too long? What are your thoughts?
Dave
Roar Rookie
Who would you rather vs PTS, Richmond or Geelong? Lose and they face Richmond or can face a Geelong side that struggled against Sydney.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I still think the Tigers will do ok in Adelaide but I agree avoiding the logistics of the trip East is significant.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
They do indeed and I doubt Port give two hoots about finishing top.
Mark
Roar Rookie
I'm just thinking the Pies have a bit more to play for.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I’d rather avoid the trip to Perth Realist. I know the Eagles have a few out and I would expect us to be better than our last show there but I feel we are quite settled in Qld and would do better there. As for tonight, I tip the Pies but clearly with my bias influencing the tip. Hoping Port might be in cruise mode a bit.
2dogs
Roar Rookie
Does that picket fence hurt your butt? Will they or won’t they win the flag? Monday’s experts yeah yeah yeah :laughing:
Mark
Roar Rookie
Very true. That’s my main fear Pete. Slow starts can mean death in the finals! How will the Pies go Pete. I have mixed feelings on this one. If Pies win, I win my Work Footy Tipping Comp but then the Tigers have to travel to Adelaide!! You’re probably hoping you avoid the trip to Perth?
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
tigers will win 2020 flag.