Grockadoc
Brownlow Medallist
- Jul 25, 2008
- 25,277
- 48,214
- AFL Club
- Richmond
- Other Teams
- Fighting Furies, Man Utd, Cavaliers
1ST ELIMINATION FINAL
SUNDAY 07/09/14,
ADELAIDE OVAL,
2.50PM ACST (3.20PM AEST)
“They were winning so I guess he can do what he wants, but I hope he’s enjoying the year that they’re having” -Travis Boak in reference to Troy Chaplin, and Richmond's torrid first half of season 2014.
"We beat you, Boaky. Harden up and suck my Tiger penis." - Troy Chaplin, to Travis Boak after eliminating Port Adelaide in the Elimination Final.
If there were any distinct, polar opposites for season 2014 it would have to have been the fortunes of both the Richmond and Port Adelaide Football clubs. Both Richmond and Port Adelaide came into season 2014 with expectations of finals, and in the Tigers case, potentially a top 4 berth after both clubs played finals in 2013. However, in the first half of the season, one club started in absolutely ripping form, and were ladder leaders for 8 weeks, 7 of those consecutive. The other were down in the dumps, rock bottom and had avoided being the competition cellar dwellers on percentage, with some fans calling for their coaches head. All that, as so often is the case in AFL football, seems like an eternity ago, and the past two months have highlighted how quickly and how drastically the AFL landscape can change.
Port Adelaide:
Port Adelaide were in fine style early in the season, continuing on their form that saw them knock out Collingwood in their 2013 elimination final clash by winning their first two games of the season, knocking off Carlton by 33 points, and cross town rivals the Adelaide Crows by 54 points, showing that the club was no longer the black sheep of the AFL competition, nor were they the rabble many predicted them to be for the best part of this decade. Those two wins went on to set the Power up to win 11 of their first 13 games, and saw them hold top spot on the ladder in round 6, and from round 8 through until round 14. During this run, the Power knocked off flag candidates Hawthorn, Geelong and Fremantle, their two losses incurred at the hands of finals hopeful North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium by 7 points in round 3, and Flag Favourites Sydney by 4 points at the SCG. The Sydney game was a turning point for the Power in 2014, with their fortune and form plummeting with the team unable to implement the intense pressure that saw them dominate the first half of 2014, and injuries to key players such as Jackson Trengove tested the Powers depth. The Power registered only 3 more wins for 2014, two of those coming in the final 3 rounds, a loss to Fremantle in round 23 crushing their hopes of a top 4 berth and a double chance, thus rendering them in 5th spot on 14 wins and a home elimination final.
Richmond:
Richmond fans were buoyed by the emergence of their side from obscurity to relevance after the club broke the longest finals drought of any non expansion side in 2013, just their third finals campaign since their losing 1982 grand final. A relatively easy draw, and the expected continual improvement of players such as Brandon Ellis, Nick Vlastuin, Tyrone Vickery, Alex Rance and the addition of players such as Matt Thomas and Anthony Miles enticed the Tiger Army to aim high, many highlighting a potential Top 4 berth. The Tiger fans however groaned at the start of season 2014, having to come up against their two biggest bogey sides in the first 2 rounds. Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium to open the Tigers 2014 campaign for successive finals appearances for the first time since the early 1970's, followed by rivals Carlton at the MCG. Gold Coast got the jump on Richmond early and managed to hold on against the Tigers despite their inaccuracy costing them a larger win. The Suns managed to win by 18 points, taking their record against the Tigers to 3-1, and the Tigers turned their attention to round 2 and their clash against Carlton. In what must have been a trying and testing week, emotionally for the Tigers, they managed to crack through for their first win of 2014, surviving yet another late scare to down the Blues by 12 points, getting retribution for their inexcusable and incomprehensible loss at the hands of Carlton in the 2013 Elimination Final. This would be just one of 3 wins for the Tigers prior to round 14, the other coming against the two sides who sat below them on the ladder, GWS and Brisbane, both of home had the same amount of wins as the Tigers coming into round 15.
The scrutiny had been fairly fixated on the Tigers after a torrid first half on 2014, and it forced the club to hold a whole club feedback forum, in which players and coaches all had the chance to give their thoughts and opinions, as well as feedback, and in some cases, criticism of their club in order to turn around the clubs terrible season. Whatever it was worked, and the Tigers went on to win every game from round 15, embarking on a 9 game winning streak, the clubs first such feat since the 1970's. Wins came against finals aspirants Essendon, West Coast, Adelaide and Port Adelaide and after having the results of other games fall their way, the growing belief that finals could be a possibility was growing week after week. It all boiled down to round 23. Taking on the Swans in Sydney at ANZ to secure their berth in the finals, in 8th spot. With Top spot all but sewn up, the Swans rested a couple of players, and a late withdrawal of Coleman Medallist Lance Franklin was enough to gift the Tigers their 12th win of the season, their 9th consecutive and secure a berth in September action, despite several crucial misses by the Swans. After being 3-10, the Tigers finished with 12 wins in the season, becoming the first side in AFL history to make the finals after being 3-10, highlighting the growing maturity of the squad.
Head To Head (Played 24):
14 Wins, 9 Losses, 1 Draw
58.34%
At Home (played 15): 10 Wins, 5 Losses,
66.67%
Last 5: 1 Win, 3 Losses, 1 Draw
20%
9 Wins, 14 Losses, 1 Draw.
29.58%
Away: 5 Wins, 10 Losses
33.33%
Last 5: 3 Wins, 1 Loss, 1 Draw
60%
Recent Encounters:
Round 17, 13 Jul 2014 Etihad Stadium Richmond defeats Port Adelaide 126-106
Round 7, 11 May 2013 AAMI Stadium Port Adelaide defeated by Richmond 73-114
Round 23, 2 Sep 2012 MCG Richmond drew with Port Adelaide 106-106
Round 6, 6 May 2012 AAMI Stadium Port Adelaide defeated by Richmond 54-91
Round 10, 28 May 2011 TIO Stadium Richmond defeated by Port Adelaide 74-89
Possible Lineups:
B: Jackson Trengove, Alipate Carlile, Tom Jonas
HB: Jarman Impey, Jack Hombsch, Cameron O'Shea
C: Jared Polec, Ollie Wines, Hamish Hartlett
HF: Robbie Gray, Justin Westhoff, Matt White
F: Angus Monfries, Jay Schulz, Chad Wingard
FOL: Matthew Lobbe, Travis Boak, Kane Cornes
I/C: Matthew Broadbent, Brad Ebert, Aaron Young
SUB: Jake Neade
IN: O'Shea, Young
OUT: Moore, Pittard
B: Chris Newman, Alex Rance, Dylan Grimes
HB: Bachar Houli, Troy Chaplin, Matt Dea
C: Nick Vlastuin, Trent Cotchin, Anthony Miles
HF: Shane Edwards, Ben Griffiths, Brett Deledio
F: Tyrone Vickery, Jack Riewoldt, Dustin Martin
FOL: Ivan Maric, Brandon Ellis, Shaun Grigg
I/C: Jake Batchelor, Reece Conca, Nathan Foley
SUB: Nathan Gordon
OUT: Morris, Petterd
IN: Dea, Vickery
Key Matchups:
Jay Schulz V Alex Rance:
One of the most important matchups in the game, and could decided the winner of the game. Schulz has had a terrific season in 2014. The former Tiger has enjoyed a career best season as the Powers focal point up forward sitting equal second in the AFL booting 62 goals, including 6 last week against Fremantle. Aided by Justin Westhoff, who has shown he can do some damage to opposition sides, as well as the enigmatic and supremely talented Chad Wingard, Schulz has reaped the benefits of a multi pronged and unpredictable Port Adelaide forward line. He will have a real test this week as he comes up against the number 1 ranked One on One defender in the AFL, in Alex Rance, who was the clear best on ground last week against Sydney, absolutely towelling up Kurt Tippett. Rance is not only a elite one on one contested defender, but has excellent closing speed, and is very good at his transition play and rebounding off of half back, heavily involved in the Tigers movement chain from defence. Schulz is going to have to be mindful of Rance's rebounding ability, and not allow Rance time and space to set up the Tigers from half back.
Alipate Carlile V Jack Riewoldt:
Much like at the other end of the ground, this one looms as a matchup that could decide the match for the team that wins this contest. Carlile is one of the most underrated defenders in the AFL in one on one contests. He uses his huge frame to full effect and has a proven track record against teams focal forwards, but has been prone to lose his man on the lead, one of the downsides of being as big and bulky as he is. Jack Riewoldt is an interesting player. He can absolutely tear a team to shreds, but he can also be largely ineffectual, and to be honest, most of it depends on Jack and his style of play in that particular game. If he chooses to get a run and jump at the ball, he is almost impossible to stop. However, if he chooses to remain stationary and try and wrestle his opponent, he struggles to have an impact on the game. Carlile is the type of defender that Jack needs to be mobile on. Carlile is not known for his athleticism, nor his closing speed, so by hitting up to the ball carrier on a lead is going to cause headaches for the Port Adelaide defence. Conversely, should Jack choose to wrestle with Carlile, Jack will be blanketed and rendered incapacitated by the powerful and large frame of his opponent.
Matthew Lobbe V Ivan Maric
The ruck is arguably the most important matchup to win. A clear win in the ruck goes a long way to winning the midfield battle, which conversely can help win the forward duel of your side. Matthew Lobbe is one of the most promising ruckman in the AFL at the moment. The mobile and athletic Port Adelaide ruckman has started to reap the benefits of continual playing time and has developed into a quality tap ruckman, who is also serviceable around the ground after having several injury concerns early on in his career. He is going to have to be prepared for a bruising encounter with Richmond's Ivan Maric, who's bash and crash style ruckwork could take a toll on the young Port Adelaide ruckman. Both are mobile Ruckman, and both are serviceable around the ground, however, Maric is an absolute workhorse and doesn't stop running. One minute he will be playing in the forward line, and the next he will be marking from a kickout at half back. Maric is also a dangerous matchup as he has the ability to swing forward and is a very good contested mark. Lobbe is going to have to try and stop Maric from running forward from the stoppage, and in turn, try and hurt Maric going the other way.
Travis Boak V Anthony Miles
Two two sides most predominant in and under midfielders and extractors. Travis Boak, the Port Adelaide captain, is regarded as one of the best inside midfielders in the AFL. His hard at it, ruthless attack on the football has set an example of the younger midfield brigade the Power have. Anthony Miles, having joined the Tigers in the rookie draft after being delisted by the Giants at the end of 2013 has been one of the driving forces behind the Tigers resurgence in the second half of 2014. These two are going to be the ones who really decide the midfield battle for either side. Their ability to dish off to their teams respective outside runners is the best at their respective clubs, and both players have the ability to swing forward and kick goals. Both go hard at the ball, and put their bodies on the line. However, both are just as effective on the outside as they are in the contested ball situation. Whoever can get their hands to the ball first and give their team some midfield ascendency is going to go a long way to winning this game for their respective side.
Robbie Gray V Brett Deledio
These two players are their respective clubs playmakers. They are the ones who not only set up attacking drives and scoring chains, but also have the ability to sneak forward and heavily impact the scoreboard. Robbie Gray has had a career best season, culminating in winning the AFL Coaches Association MVP Award. The silky skilled midfielder/forward has added the ability to run through the midfield to his bow and is now reaping the rewards of being one of the most damaging players in the AFL and can arguably be seen as the barometer of the Port Adelaide Football Club. Brett Deledio is regarded the Tigers quarterback. His offensive drive off half back, either with his precise and accurate footskills, or blistering pace when he runs and carries, is one of the Tigers biggest weapons. However, Deledio has been playing a more attacking role the past couple of months, as a half forward. Playing as a midfielder pushing forward, not only is Deledio using his sublime footskills to hit up targets in the forward line, but he is also heavily impacting the scoreboard. These two players are the most likely to be tagged from either side. Whichever of them can break their tag and influence the game could be the potential match winner.
The X Factor:
Justin Westhoff
The strong marking, mobile Utility is enjoying a terrific 2014 season. Used at both ends of the ground to great effect, he looms as the player likely to do some damage to the Tigers. As a forward, and partner to Jay Schulz, he is going to be too mobile for Troy Chaplin, and too big for Dylan Grimes, so the Tigers don't have much in terms of an ideal matchup for him. Westhoff is also used as a spare man in defence, where his elite abilty to read the play and flight of the ball is used to take intercept marks and cut off opposition forays into forward 50. He is also used to drop into the hole and cut off space for the leading forward. Should Jack Riewoldt get on top of Alipate Carlile, expect Westhoff to be dropped back into the hole to deny Riewoldt space to lead into.
Dustin Martin
One of the most damaging players in the AFL when on, Dustin Martin has taken his game to a new level in 2014, aided by an increased endurance base and new found consistency. 2014 has seen Martin played all over the ground, his precise and deadly kicking used to start attacking chains from defensive 50, as well as roaming through the middle, and delivering the ball inside 50. However, he is used a lot more now as a one on one player inside forward 50, especially late in games to devastating effect. Martin is statistically the best one on one offensive player inside forward 50 in the AFL, so it stands to reason that in tight games, having Martin one out inside forward 50 could potentially be the match winner. Too quick and agile to warrant a Key Defender, but to strong in the marking contest and body to have a small defender play on him, Martin si the type of player that gives opposition coaches selection headaches. Expect Martin to be heavily involved in the match as a midfielder or rebounding half back flanker if not as a forward.
Where they can win the game:
Pure and simply, Port Adelaide must make the Tigers half backs accountable not only defensively, but offensively as well. The key to the Tigers performing well is their ability to rebound of half back, getting it into the hands of their runners. Players such as Houli, Deledio, Martin, Vlastuin, Rance and Ellis can all break the game open if they see any space ahead of them. The Tigers rely on on quick ball movement to catch the opposition backline off guard, as well as ensuring they tire out the opposition by forcing them to chase them. By playing man on man football, and not allowing their outside runners space, it is going to shut down any attacking drive the Tigers have. This was evident in the early part of season 2014, when, missing Alex Rance, as well as Brandon Ellis and Bachar Houli being out of form, the Tigers ball movement was slow, stagnant and ineffectual. By restricting the amount of free time and space the Tigers have rebounding from defence, expect the Tigers to play slow tempo football, and potentially cause a turnover as they drive long down the line to a contest.
The Tigers also have a penchant for being carved up by small forwards and medium marking forwards. Players such as Jarman Impey, Jake Neade and Angus Monfries pose problems for the Tigers defence, especially if Steven Morris is dropped after a terrible game against Sydney. Jake Batchelor is likely to line up on one of Neade/Impey, with Dylan Grimes, provided he is right to play on Angus Monfries. Bachar Houli is known to be rather poor at man marking and unaccountable on occasion, so I would expect Robbie Gray to be heavily involved and spend a lot of time inside forward 50, to test the Tigers defence. With Rance being a terrific defender, and Chaplin handy in spoiling, expect a lot of balls to hit the ground, so having a livewire crumber at the feet of Schulz and Westhoff could be just the thing that sinks the Tigers. Chad Wingard looms as a danger man, and his ability to heavily impact the scoreboard could be the difference.
The Power also need to try and clog up Richmond's forward 50. The Tigers have been known to get impatient if a clear target cannot be found inside 50, and opt for the long bomb to the goalsquare, or near the boundary line. Should this occur, the Power have the easy task of killing the ball, either over the goal line, or boundary line and then have the opportunity to quickly slingshot the ball up the other end. The Tigers are one of the easiest teams to score against in the ALF from quick kickouts, as their zone defence can be penetrated if a player ducks out the back. This is where players such as Monfries, Neade, White, Impey and Gray can really do some damage to the Tigers on the rebound, with an exposed and open forward line.
The Tigers biggest offensive weapon is their ability to rebound from half back with runners and precise kicking. Bachar Houli and Brandon Ellis are the Tigers playmakers from half back. Their run and carry is vital to the Tigers attacking thrusts. One of the criticisms of the Port Adelaide Forward line is that their half forward's don't run hard enough the other way. Houli and Ellis must exploit this to their favour. Ellis more so than Houli, who is capable defensively. Ellis is the best gut runner at the Tigers, and has been in terrific form in the latter half of 2014. His ability to rack up possessions, and use his precise, but awkward kicking to full effect cannot be understated. By roaming the wings, Ellis can either choose to deliver the ball inside 50, or have a shot from outside 50, as he is a reasonably accurate kick from 50 meters. When the Tigers move the ball rapidly, their forwards end to be mobile a lot more, so the ability to find a clear target inside 50 directly correlates to the speed of the Tigers ball transition. Port Adelaide's backline has shown it cannot cope with quick and deep inside 50 entries that put them under pressure, so for the Tigers to win, they must take the game on with attacking football.
The Tigers are also getting on top of teams with Contested possession and clearances. This is a major factor in the Tigers winning 9 games in a row. Being first to the ball, and being harder at the ball give the Tigers a chance to get the ball inside forward 50. If this is the case, and the Tigers win the contested possession as well as clearances, the amount of inside 50's they can generate is one of the highest in the AFL. By getting the ball into repeatedly to players such as Riewoldt, Deledio, Griffiths, Edwards and potentially Tyrone Vickery, it gives them enough of an opportunity to start taking marks and putting scoreboard pressure on the Power.
The Power can not get sucked in to trying to zone and press the Tigers from a Tiger kick out. Their option to go long to a contest more often than not involves a strong contested mark to Ben Griffiths or Ivan Maric. This is particularly dangerous to the Power if it is Ben Griffiths who takes the mark. With such a powerful leg, and the ability to kick the ball 70 meters, by pressing too many players up to their forward half, it leaves Griffiths with an opportunity to kick to a one on one contest to a player such as Jack Riewoldt or Dustin Martin, breaking the line, and potentially score a rather easy coast to coast goal for the Tigers. If they choose to press up, the Power must drop a spare player back, in case a long ball comes after a contested mark at half back. The ball could also break out to the dangerous Shane Edwards who is terrific as creating space in traffic and is a sharpshooter in front of goals. If the ball spills over the back of the zone, and Edwards is the spare man, he could cause havoc for the Power.
Final Thoughts:
This game is going to be a ripper. Much like our psychological disadvantage against Carlton, do not underestimate how important the fact that Port Adelaide have not won against us for some time. Richmond will go in full of confidence, having won their last 9 games, and are playing some terrific football. The Tigers will also be spurred on by the rather unprofessional comments of Port Adelaide Captain Travis Boak regarding Troy Chaplin, mocking Richmond's season. Port Adelaide will go in favourites, but Richmond go in with better form. This game could go either way, and it really all depends on who can take hold of the match to swing it either way, as they are incredibly well matched in every area of the ground.
Tip:
Richmond by 21 points.
YELLOW AND BLACK! GO TIGERS!
Last edited:
