AFL 2017 - R10 - Richmond v Essendon 7:25pm AEST MCG

[_Mike_]

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PREVIEW

After a rough patch of form, Essendon has tapped into a potent combination of speed and toughness that has its season back on track. The Bombers are settled at the selection table and players appear comfortable in their roles as a trademark style of play emerges at 5-4. They hit the annual Dreamtime at the 'G match on a high against a Richmond side that has been crushed by heartbreaking losses three weeks running. After a 5-0 start, the Tigers have slipped to 5-4 and they desperately need a win to break the cycle of close losses that are cruelling their season. Damien Hardwick's men are producing good football for long periods, but they are crumbling at critical times and losing credibility as a contender in an even season.


Dustin Martin was the star when these teams last met, winning 43 possession and kicking two goals to earn the three Brownlow votes. The Bombers won the inside 50 count for the first time this season in their round nine win against West Coast. They’re ranked No.16 in this category, while Richmond ranks No.4.

Richmond has had the better of Essendon recently winning the past five matches and six of the past seven. The Bombers' most recent win was in round 11, 2014. No team kicks the ball more this season than the Bombers, who average 231.3 kicks a game. The Tigers rank No.15 with an average of 204.1. For total disposals, Essendon ranks No.6 and Richmond is last.

Skipper Trent Cotchin and his deputies Alex Rance and Jack Riewoldt are only three of 22 players, but their leadership is relied on during the dying stages of games. In the past two weeks the Tigers structures in set play situations have let them down, and the leadership group has to wear some — but not all — of the blame.

Kiss of Death: Richmond by 7 points

 

[Adz]

Essendon easily.

Richmond attitude this week has been they are doing pretty well and are proud of their efforts.
Woeful.

 

[juss]

Not confident at all. I worry about the mindset of the players after 3 heartbreaking losses in a row. Im not sure if they believe they can win, wheras the Bombers come in full of self belief.

 

[Bazza97]

Think this game will be a cracker. Predicting the Tigers to bounce back though. This game is a good opportunity for Essendon to continue building some consistency.

 

[Lsta062]

Think Richmond will win. I am not locking it in of course, but I think we'll see a response today.

Richmond by 15 points

 

[dean33]

Essendon easily.

Richmond attitude this week has been they are doing pretty well and are proud of their efforts.
Woeful.

Been down at the club all week to make that assessment champion? Or just plucked it from ur ass?

 

[Lsta062]

Essendon easily.

Richmond attitude this week has been they are doing pretty well and are proud of their efforts.
Woeful.

I think this has been overscrutinised to be honest. For one, Hardwick and the players probably knows that a 4 game losing streak isn't great no matter how close. Having said that, he'll probably want to instil belief in the players and keep them checked into the season.

Reality is, we have been close in 3/4 of the games we lost in the past month, and 2 all are currently in the top 4. I don't mind if he is focusing on the positives to get their confidence up again.

 

[Milanista28]

Leader at qtr time will win it.

 

[Rezza Tiger]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say the team in front when the final siren sounds may or may not win it

 

[rumply]

Looks like any rain will stay away, good test for my Bombers to see where they are at, but for late game laziness the Tiges clearly the form team of the competition, can't wait actually.

 

[sprockets]

The Tigers have held their own in every game but one while the Bombers are playing good footy. Should be a cracker.

 

[HBF]

Essendon by 15 points.

 

[JayJ20]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say the team in front when the final siren sounds may or may not win it

If Richmond are in front by under a goal, then you are right

 

[rdhopkins2]

Please arrive an extra 10 mins early at the game due to increased security precautions.

 

[PetterdHoisted]

looking forward to seeing what creative way the umps can screw us over this week, fun for all the family..

 

[peppy la pew]

Honestly cant pick this, I expect Richmond to bounce back but wont be at all surprised if the Bombers get up after last week.

Should be a cracking game

 

[Rod Stroker]

I just hope Chief has paid his Amazon Web Services bill for more scale out servers when the BF traffic goes through the roof in the last minute and then the next 60 after it.

 

[Great8]

I'm pretty confident this week, Bombers by 36

 

[rumply]

I just hope Chief has paid his Amazon Web Services bill for more scale out servers when the BF traffic goes through the roof in the last minute and then the next 60 after it.

yes, was on here last week when the Tiges did their thing, just not acceptable having to wait in line getting those troll posts live

 

[peppy la pew]

Chief went out and bought another half a dozen chooks so we should be fine.

Lucky North are playing tomorrow, there's only so much the chooks can take in one day

 

[DrEvil_]

Come on Richmond, make daddy laugh!

 

[Cold Sober]

Should be a cracker, Martin an obvious factor with Bellchambers/Nankervis also a possible match deciding contest.

 

[Angus Young]

If Richmond lose this.... they are almost done

 

[mxett]

TICKET UPDATE: All tickets for tonight's match including standing room, are now exhausted. No tickets remaining for #DreamtimeAtTheG

 

[JayJ20]

It's a sellout! Could be close to 90K