Both the Richmond Tigers and Geelong Cats have named unchanged teams for tomorrow night’s grand final.
It marks just the third time both grand finalists have gone into the decider using the same line-up that won the preliminary finals, a recent trend that was only started in the Tigers’ 2017 premiership win, when they and the Adelaide Crows went unchanged for the last match of the year.
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick’s decision to go with the same 22 that defeated Port Adelaide last week leaves former Cat Josh Caddy unable to face his former team in the decider. Caddy has been listed in the emergencies alongside Oleg Markov, Mabior Chol and Jake Aarts.
Chris Scott indicated earlier on Friday he would go with the team that got the better of Brisbane at the Gabba, and stuck true to form when the Geelong side was announced later in the day.
The Cats had a selection scare earlier in the week when Tom Hawkins didn’t train and was isolated after displaying very mild flu-like symptoms, but after returning a negative COVID test result, is clear to play tomorrow night.
Richmond Tigers
B: David Astbury, Dylan Grimes, Noah Balta
HB: Liam Baker, Nick Vlastuin, Bachar Houli
C: Kamdyn McIntosh, Dion Prestia, Marlion Pickett
HF: Kane Lambert, Jason Castagna, Dustin Martin
F: Tom Lynch, Jack Riewoldt, Daniel Rioli
Foll: Toby Nankervis, Shane Edwards, Trent Cotchin
Bench: Jack Graham, Shai Bolton, Jayden Short, Nathan Broad
Emergencies: Oleg Markov, Josh Caddy, Mabior Chol, Jake Aarts
Geelong Cats
B: Jed Bews, Harry Taylor, Jake Kolodjashnij
HB: Lachie Henderson, Mark Blicavs, Tom Stewart
C: Mitch Duncan, Joel Selwood, Sam Menegola
HF: Luke Dahlhaus, Gary Rohan, Gryan Miers
F: Mark O’Connor, Tom Hawkins, Gary Ablett
Foll: Rhys Stanley, Patrick Dangerfield, Cam Guthrie
Bench: Jack Henry, Brandan Parfitt, Zach Tuohy, Sam Simpson
Emergencies: Tom Atkins, Zach Guthrie, Esava Ratugolea, Brad Close
2dogz
Roar Rookie
:silly:
2dogz
Roar Rookie
You’ve taken time out from celebrating to write an abusive message towards me ? That’s cute :happy:
Mark
Roar Rookie
:laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
2dogz
Roar Rookie
Delusional much?
ScottyJ
Roar Rookie
Meatloaf and singing are no longer allowed in the same sentence unless as an oxymoron.
Dave
Roar Rookie
Not really! Was probably more nervous last week against port over there in Adelaide, especially after the loss over there earlier in the year! Just my opinion, (most may disagree) but I believe there is more pressure on the cats team tonight! Retiring players, ageing list, Scott’s finals record and probably the expectations from their supporters as well given their current form but also their somewhat recent poor record against the Tigers bar a 67 point victory last year against a very undermanned tigers outfit in that match! For me the tigers just need to show up and execute their game plan! I won’t be disheartened if we do lose, will only see it as motivation to be there again next year! For me, I was too young to remember the tigers 1980 thumping of the pies, 2017 was oh so sweet after thinking I might live my whole adult life without witnessing the tigers taste premiership success, 2019 was reinforced belief of the tigers after a disappointing PF loss in 2018. 2020 sees my team challenge again after all the controversies on and off the field! Running out tonight is satisfying enough, winning it will be the icing on the cake for me! For all the Richmond haters out there, regardless I’m mighty proud of my team’s achievements over the last 3-4 years, where I believe we have been the best team overall during this period! Over to you cats fans and Richmond haters to prove otherwise!
Mark
Roar Rookie
lol....he was big about 20 years ago.
Boo
Guest
Thanks Realist you have made me feel real old don't know the singer or the song.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Tigers odds shortening with the forecast . Also more likely to be a goal either way. Could be a very exciting GF. Extra time anyone?
2dogz
Roar Rookie
Cats and Tigers fans are we nervous yet???
Mark
Roar Rookie
Nah, I heard its going to be Beck singing 'Loser' in a Cats guernsey! :silly:
Boo
Guest
Late change to the pre-game entertainment live cross to Meatloaf singing two out of three ain't bad in a Tigers jumper.
Dexter The Hamster
Roar Rookie
Doesn't sound like you are much of a neutral!!! :laughing: :laughing: But the Tigers fans have been fairly insufferable since the 2017 flag, so its natural to turn on them a tad.
DEESNUTSRBIG
Guest
Second that. Damien Hardsook is in for a rude awakening. The Richmond clowns over the road left all their Tigers Premiers 2020 and Dynasty crap decorations, posters, banners up since they left weeks ago to go up for the grand final - at least the birds are starting to tear at. Cats by 25
DEESNUTSRBIG
Guest
Out of interest who is the drunk person thats puts out the teams (obviously not the author of the article they just cut and paste the team sheets) with Castagna at CHF? :thumbdown: Damien Hardsook, someone else at Richmond?
Dexter The Hamster
Roar Rookie
Good luck Cat. The neutrals are on your side.
Dexter The Hamster
Roar Rookie
Bit of rain about, might get a drenching at some point tomorrow, but it will clear, and the Gabba drains well. I remember vividly as a kid, moving from Vic to Qld, and still tuning in to watch the Sat arvo Match of the Day in Melbourne, and watching the rain pour all game long. In Qld, it rains for a bit, heavily, then it nicks off. Brilliant system.
Cat
Roar Guru
Lot of posters praying for rain ... must not be as confident as they pretend to be.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Best team will handle the weather conditions on the day. Happens every year. For example, see 2012 :sick: and 2015 :happy:
Mark
Roar Rookie
Thanks Damo. Let's hope it doesn't come to that but I reckon some rain may benefit the Tigers.