Carlton v Richmond, Thursday April 2, 7:40pm, MCG.
Sportsbet Odds:
Carlton $2.45
Richmond $1.55
After what started out to be a quiet off-season, a supernova of scandal has erupted to dominate back pages once again.
Thankfully it will be partially consumed by, you know, the actual reason why we watch the sport, a game of football.
In what is considered a ‘traditional’ fixture, Richmond will be looking to make amends for their astoundingly garbage start to 2014. They looked a completely different team post June, and that’s the high and hard-working standard they need to aim for.
Carlton on the other hand come from a radically different place. In what appears to be a very shaky year for Mick Malthouse, there’s more than just pride on the line. The club is caught in a bit of a void, list wise there are a range of players in the prime but their best 22 is still far from being decided.
Carlton's unpredictable list means we could see plenty of animation from Mick Malthouse (Photo by Getty Images)
Like any other round 1 game, they key to winning it executing basic skill. Previous fixtures between these two clubs in round 1 is not highlight tape material. Completely understandable as everyone is a little scratchy after 6 months of no competitive footy, but the respective coaches won’t take that excuse.
Ride the storm, make the right decision, victory is yours.
It’s a game with a lot of eyeballs on it, and no game on the Good Friday. It’s going to be a long 36 hours for whoever loses, and the winner will get a crucial piece of early season form that may stave off pressure for another week.
Key match ups
Lachie Henderson vs Ben Griffiths
The vastly improved Griffiths should be in Carlton’s worries, not just Jack Riewoldt. Richmond finding a goal-kicking tall forward that’s an alternative to Riewoldt should be very high on their agenda, and he’s the perfect candidate. He looks comfortable in a forward line, and is becoming confident in one on one marking situations.
The support that Ben Griffiths gives Jack Riewoldt in the air could be key to a Tigers victory (Photo by Getty Images)
Chris Yarran vs Steve Morris
For some reason, the Steve Morris forward experiment continues. If Hardwick’s logic is to pressure smaller opposition players from rebounding quickly from defence, this move has some merit. Morris offers little offensively, but if his role is to clamp down free-ranging rebounders, this could get interesting.
Key stat
In 2014, Richmond averaged +22.8 kicks in wins, while averaged -6.5 kicks in losses. It's evident they like controlling the speed of the game.
Result
Round one is notoriously difficult to pick, regardless if Richmond have the better team on paper. Both clubs are prone to concentration lapses and it’s a priority that both avoid this factor. The Tigers have finally adapted to a style that suits them, and all that’s left is execution.
Tigers by 24.