Preview Changes v Richmond - Rd 6, 2021

[AmericanAFL]

Someone should have warned you

Well I did enjoy the cheese board tutorial, so it wasn’t a total loss.

 

[juss]

I've written this up on the Tigers board, I try and be fairly balanced. Would love to hear your thoughts.

They're actually looking really good, and some of the areas they excel are areas we aren't so strong at.
Gawn will dominate against us, especially if we only play Nankervis. He will need additional support and even then, Gawn is likely to be the best big man on the ground. So they excel in our ruck weakness.

Also without Prestia, their midfield has the potential to smash us inside. Petracca, Oliver, Viney, Jones will be very formidable inside and doing the grunt work. We probably have them on the spread if it gets out, but there's every chance they dominate the clearances so I think their strength there is challenging to one of our weaknesses without the Meatball to help. To mitigate this, one of RCD or Ross has to come into the 22. I think we are going to need that extra player in the mid rotations and hope they are ready to have an impact.

The areas I think we are on top, is that I think our forward line stacks up well, particularly if May misses again. I rate the firepower of Lynch, Riewoldt, Martin plus our rotational smalls compared to their team. Ben Brown could be a danger if he plays, but he could also be coming in for his first game and not have a big influence or synergy yet. I also think our back 6 has the edge, and just need our mids to break even. The danger is if the mids are smashed the back 6 will be under siege and missing Vlastuin still will hurt.

A lot of our forward strategy depends on if May plays. If he doesn't then Jack and Lynch need to play as far away from each other as possible to isolate the other against the lesser KPD, and force Lever to choose one or the other rather than sitting loose and zoning to cover both of them.

We know that in the first 10 or so rounds, Richmond are more of a grind and get results rather than playing our best football. I feel the Demons are on a higher level than that at this point of the season, and so wouldn't be surprised if they get up. The final thing in our favour though is that Richmond do generally turn up in the big games, and while the Demons will not lack motivation, in front of a big crowd (unsure of the capacity limits?) on the big stage Richmond have to have more trust in them.

It's a genuine 50/50 game for mine. IMO we need to split the Demons/Dogs 1-1. It would be a big ask to win both on current form of all 3 sides, but we can't afford to lose both either.

I think this is a better match up for us, and tipping the Tigers to shake some of the early season cobwebs and flex a bit of muscle to win a great contest by 8 points.

 

[Crusty Demon]

I've written this up on the Tigers board, I try and be fairly balanced. Would love to hear your thoughts.

Fair assessment mate.

I don't think there are many Dees fans who will be expecting a win. More hoping. Tigers still team to beat. If both teams play well Tigers win by a few goals. If our backline can keep Lynch and Jack under wraps and our midfield can sort out our clearance issues, we're a chance.

 

[Daemon]

I've written this up on the Tigers board, I try and be fairly balanced. Would love to hear your thoughts.

A balanced and well reasoned argument from a Richmond support - unicorns really do exist. I think you are spot on.

 

[GatesOfHell]

Our bulls will at least break even at the coal face. The key will be how well our outside types can compete with their insanely well drilled runners. Hunt, Rivers, Langdon, ANB, Spargo and even Pickett at times will need to be at the top of their game and tackle manically over four quarters for us to have a chance. I reckon if you swapped N.Jones from our 22 for S.Bolton from theirs we’d go in at even money odds.

If Weid and TMac can match Lynch and Reiwoldt for goals I reckon we win.

 

[hoddo]

In: Weid, May, Fristch (if the latter two pass fitness tests)
Out: M. Brown, Petty, ????

I agree with other posters that BB needs at least another game in the VFL.

MBrown (very unlucky) and Petty are the obvious outs for Weid and May, but it's really hard to find a suitable player to drop for Fritsch.
The outside run and carry of Hunt will be vital against the Tigers as will the forward pressure of ANB and Spargo. An in form Melksham is so dangerous with his ability to kick long goals and deliver pinpoint passes inside 50. Jordon is playing well and needed to provide midfield rotations.

There's really only one other player whose position in the team doesn't seem absolutely assured. That's Nathan Jones. His form has been okay, but not great and his role has been one that could easily be passed over to facilitate Fritsch's return. I love Jones and respect the loyalty and amazing, self sacrificing service he's given the club over all those bad years and I hate the idea of dropping him from what would be his 300th game. But what comes first? Sentiment or fielding the best possible team in what is arguably one of the club's most important game in years? Logically he should be the one omitted, but I'd be amazed if the club did it.

So who does that leave? Damned if I know. Probably ANB, but he certainly doesn't deserve it and it will be very costly in term of forward 50 pressure.

 

[LeverPuller]

In: Weid, May, Fristch (if the latter two pass fitness tests)
Out: M. Brown, Petty, ????

I agree with other posters that BB needs at least another game in the VFL.

MBrown (very unlucky) and Petty are the obvious outs for Weid and May, but it's really hard to find a suitable player to drop for Fritsch.
The outside run and carry of Hunt will be vital against the Tigers as will the forward pressure of ANB and Spargo. An in form Melksham is so dangerous with his ability to kick long goals and deliver pinpoint passes inside 50. Jordon is playing well and needed to provide midfield rotations.

There's really only one other player whose position in the team doesn't seem absolutely assured. That's Nathan Jones. His form has been okay, but not great and his role has been one that could easily be passed over to facilitate Fritsch's return. I love Jones and respect the loyalty and amazing, self sacrificing service he's given the club over all those bad years and I hate the idea of dropping him from what would be his 300th game. But what comes first? Sentiment or fielding the best possible team in what is arguably one of the club's most important game in years? Logically he should be the one omitted, but I'd be amazed if the club did it.

So who does that leave? Damned if I know. Probably ANB, but he certainly doesn't deserve it and it will be very costly in term of forward 50 pressure.

I think Melk or Jordon. Probably the former - Melk did 3/5 of sweet fa until the final term.

 

[GatesOfHell]

In: Weid, May, Fristch (if the latter two pass fitness tests)
Out: M. Brown, Petty, ????

I agree with other posters that BB needs at least another game in the VFL.

MBrown (very unlucky) and Petty are the obvious outs for Weid and May, but it's really hard to find a suitable player to drop for Fritsch.
The outside run and carry of Hunt will be vital against the Tigers as will the forward pressure of ANB and Spargo. An in form Melksham is so dangerous with his ability to kick long goals and deliver pinpoint passes inside 50. Jordon is playing well and needed to provide midfield rotations.

There's really only one other player whose position in the team doesn't seem absolutely assured. That's Nathan Jones. His form has been okay, but not great and his role has been one that could easily be passed over to facilitate Fritsch's return. I love Jones and respect the loyalty and amazing, self sacrificing service he's given the club over all those bad years and I hate the idea of dropping him from what would be his 300th game. But what comes first? Sentiment or fielding the best possible team in what is arguably one of the club's most important game in years? Logically he should be the one omitted, but I'd be amazed if the club did it.

So who does that leave? Damned if I know. Probably ANB, but he certainly doesn't deserve it and it will be very costly in term of forward 50 pressure.

ANB’s form has been sketchy at best. His poor decision making and skill execution under pressure offsets whatever positive attributes he brings to the table. For mine he is not in our absolute best 22. I won’t lose any sleep if he gets dropped for Fritsch. Jordon is the one I think we’ll chop, though. He looked panicky against Hawthorn.

 

[Meds]

In his injury update, Burgo said that Slick is seeing the surgeon Friday but should be available, and Maysie similar - should be available.

 

[Meds]

ANB’s form has been sketchy at best. His poor decision making and skill execution under pressure offsets whatever positive attributes he brings to the table. For mine he is not in our absolute best 22. I won’t lose any sleep if he gets dropped for Fritsch. Jordon is the one I think we’ll chop, though. He looked panicky against Hawthorn.

ANB is ensconced in our best 22 at the moment from my perspective.

Pressure, outside run, tackling, I50s, pressure. He's also one of the players that are driving our standards based on Goody's spot on 360 last night.

 

[Dory_77]

ANB is ensconced in our best 22 at the moment from my perspective.

Pressure, outside run, tackling, I50s, pressure. He's also one of the players that are driving our standards based on Goody's spot on 360 last night.

This. I'm not a fanboy but he's been solid this year. A bit meh on the weekend but so were most of the team until the last. Keeps his spot comfortably for now.

 

[Proper Gander]

Stuff the injury update. Where’s my new Gus and Gawn?

 

[LeverPuller]

**** me keep getting the busy on Ticketek!!

 

[ImissFrosty]

In: Weid, May, Fristch (if the latter two pass fitness tests)
Out: M. Brown, Petty, ????

I agree with other posters that BB needs at least another game in the VFL.

MBrown (very unlucky) and Petty are the obvious outs for Weid and May, but it's really hard to find a suitable player to drop for Fritsch.
The outside run and carry of Hunt will be vital against the Tigers as will the forward pressure of ANB and Spargo. An in form Melksham is so dangerous with his ability to kick long goals and deliver pinpoint passes inside 50. Jordon is playing well and needed to provide midfield rotations.

There's really only one other player whose position in the team doesn't seem absolutely assured. That's Nathan Jones. His form has been okay, but not great and his role has been one that could easily be passed over to facilitate Fritsch's return. I love Jones and respect the loyalty and amazing, self sacrificing service he's given the club over all those bad years and I hate the idea of dropping him from what would be his 300th game. But what comes first? Sentiment or fielding the best possible team in what is arguably one of the club's most important game in years? Logically he should be the one omitted, but I'd be amazed if the club did it.

So who does that leave? Damned if I know. Probably ANB, but he certainly doesn't deserve it and it will be very costly in term of forward 50 pressure.

Jones won't get dropped. 0% chance, already done some media commitments and all the talk about it. If he wasn't going to play, the club would make up some bs injury which we'd know of by now. I'd drop Melksham tbh, stiff, but Fritsch is way better.

 

[LeverPuller]

Right. I’m in. Sitting next to the cheer squad

 

[Proper Gander]

Right. I’m in. Sitting next to the cheer squad

You’ll fit right in

 

[LeverPuller]

You’ll fit right in

I’ve done it 3 times and we have won every time so.....

 

[Bluelegs]

Right. I’m in. Sitting next to the cheer squad

Get your face painted.

 

[LeverPuller]

Get your face painted.

 

[Headless]

Get your face painted.

LeverPuller, you could also consider doing this for the football.

 

[mrmonkey]

Our bulls will at least break even at the coal face. The key will be how well our outside types can compete with their insanely well drilled runners. Hunt, Rivers, Langdon, ANB, Spargo and even Pickett at times will need to be at the top of their game and tackle manically over four quarters for us to have a chance. I reckon if you swapped N.Jones from our 22 for S.Bolton from theirs we’d go in at even money odds.

If Weid and TMac can match Lynch and Reiwoldt for goals I reckon we win.

My worrie is how we cope with Richmond's pressure. We didn't cope well with hawthorn who were good for three quarters but Richmond are another level and unlike the hawks won't relent until the final siren.

 

[Bluelegs]

My worrie is how we cope with Richmond's pressure. We didn't cope well with hawthorn who were good for three quarters but Richmond are another level and unlike the hawks won't relent until the final siren.

It was Hawthorns structure rather than their pressure we couldn't deal with on Sunday. The forced us to move the ball into the wings then clogged our forwardline because we didn't have a strong marking target.

Most of our goals in the last quarter came from centre clearances where we had an open forward line.

 

[Vassp]

It was Hawthorns structure rather than their pressure we couldn't deal with on Sunday. The forced us to move the ball into the wings then clogged our forwardline because we didn't have a strong marking target.

Most of our goals in the last quarter came from centre clearances where we had an open forward line.

looking forward to the game. we have both structure and pressure when we are on. ... it's going to be a contest and a half because both teams are capable....
You dominate clearance, you will win the game. it's as cut and dry as that because everything else will even out.

 

[Bluelegs]

looking forward to the game. we have both structure and pressure when we are on. ... it's going to be a contest and a half because both teams are capable....
You dominate clearance, you will win the game. it's as cut and dry as that because everything else will even out.

I'm wondering if we will concede the turnovers Richmond force a bit then try to slow your gut running rebounds and trust our backline to mop it up. Similar to what we did against St.Kilda. Obviously a much weaker side but they do play a similar kind of game to Richmond.

Our other option is try to beat Richmond at their own game but I like that less because it doesn't really fit our list profile.

Main thing I'm worried about is us taking our opportunities. We've gotten away with some poor conversion in front of goal in the past. Don't think we'll get the same luxury against the Tigers.

In any case it should be a great game. Shattered I can't go.

 

[mrmonkey]

It was Hawthorns structure rather than their pressure we couldn't deal with on Sunday. The forced us to move the ball into the wings then clogged our forwardline because we didn't have a strong marking target.

Most of our goals in the last quarter came from centre clearances where we had an open forward line.

I felt we made a lot of turn over in the back half. Might have been just the first quarter. We certainly had pretty good control after that but just couldn't hit the scoreboard for that reason. Hawthorn kept to 4 goals after quarter time. Anyway I'm still worried about Richmond's pressure to me this is the real test for our backline.