TV: Fox Footy. Sydney: 7Mate (live)
Why watch
This one is all about Richmond. Win and they make the finals for a second consecutive year, lose and chances are they will miss out. Whatever happens this one’s sure to be a rollercoaster of emotions.
Match Notes
- Richmond will be sweating on Dustin Martin’s fitness after he’s struggled with a hamstring issue over the last few weeks. He’ll be named in the side as this is an all-or-nothing shot at the finals but whether he’s a 100 percent is doubtful. The big selection query for Richmond, though, is Ty Vickery. He’s served his suspension for that Cox punch but whether he can get back in the side is up in the air. Indeed, his entire future at Tigerland could be in a little doubt.
- Having secured the minor premiership, the Swans just need to maintain their form in this last round of the season. With nothing to play for, do they rest some stars? Last time out, Lance Franklin proved the difference between these two sides in a horrid Friday night encounter that sparked plenty of debate as to rolling mauls and umps letting play go on. If Buddy’s not there, are the Tigers half a chance to knock off the Swans?
Quote of the week
“To have the resolve and turn the corner midway through the season was a really good thing for our group,” said Richmond skipper Trent Cotchin on the Tigers website. "We've probably taken a step back to come forward and I think all the great clubs do that at some stage.”
Key injuries
SYDNEY SWANS
Aliir Aliir Shoulder Season
Craig Bird Knee 1 week
Tom Derickx Hamstring Season
Brandon Jack Ankle 1 week
Alex Johnson Knee Season
Josh Kennedy Hamstring Test
Ben McGlynn Calf Test
Lloyd Perris Knee Season
Sam Reid Groin Test
RICHMOND
Ben Darrou Hip Season
Dustin Martin Hamstring Test
Brett O'Hanlon Hip Season
Matt Thomas Knee Test
Last five games
Sydney
L 10 Hawthorn
W 22 Essendon
W 26 Port Adelaide
W 71 St KIlda
W 63 Western Bulldogs
Richmond
W 17 West Coast
W 27 Greater Western Sydney
W 18 Essendon
W 10 Adelaide
W 26 St Kilda
Fantasy factoid
Ricky Petterd has enjoyed a stellar second half to the year. The former Demon was in some quality form against St Kilda last week too with 23 possessions, 14 marks and a goal.
Cold hard fact
Richmond are a team that know they can match it with the Swans, both sides having won three of the last six clashes between the two.
Final word
Richmond are aiming for their ninth straight win – something not achieved since winning the premiership in 1980 – as their amazing push for a finals position hits a climax on Saturday. As much fun as it is to bag Tigers’ fans, if they make it, it will be one of the greatest AFL stories of the last 20 years. And, with the Tigers having just missed out on top four last year, a whole lot of sides would be very wary of facing them in September this time around as the trials of early 2014 appears to have steeled this group. But to get there they have to overcome Sydney. They weren’t far off doing it last time around and the Tigers are a side that have beaten the Swans before over the last few seasons. And, with the Swans likely to be looking towards the following week, maybe they’ll take the foot off the pedal a little bit or rest players like Lance Franklin. Either way, if Richmond make it, they’ve done it the hard way and deserve to be there. For a tip, we’re going with the romantic option and saying Tigers by 13 points.