Tigers looking to claw their way up the ladder

AFL.  Tigers v Eagles

Richmond vs West Coast, Friday Night 7:50pm, MCG  

In the second of a three test of their top tier credentials, the Eagles passed with flying colours, stifling an Essendon outfit that was hellbent on improving their own poor start to the year. The third and final test before their mid-year week off comes at the hands of Richmond.

The Eagles have done well not getting ahead of themselves, keeping quiet on aspirations and where they actually might end up in finals calculations. Getting caught up in those conversations and ahead of yourself is where many fall flat after unexpectedly starting the year so well.

This discipline is also shown on-field, committed to harassing the opposition when they haven’t got the ball and keeping the ball moving when they do have it.  

Funny how the exact inverse only two months ago was Richmond’s exact problem – an inability to move the ball quick enough and be hard around the contest. They’ve altered their game style since then and have found success and form.

They’re not entrenched within the top 8 by any means, but Richmond eyes are firmly gazed on a top 6 spot. They’ve got all the right players firing – Riewoldt, Martin, Cotchin, Maric, helped with a supporting cast of fringe and emerging players seeking to desperately change the recent culture of leaving too much to too few.

What they can’t allow this to be is another false dawn. March to the finals and win a game for the sake of not only the supporter base, but for fostering a confidence in the group so they can strive for greater things. None of that is guaranteed, but Friday Night is the first step of many.  

 

Key Match Ups 

Matt Priddis vs Trent Cotchin  

Expect a head to head clash. Star midfielders roaming contests around the ground and often contesting the same ball for 120 minutes should make for great viewing.  

Will Schofield vs Ty Vickery  

More and more on the shoulders of Schofield, with now young gun McGovern’s fitness for Friday set to go down to the wire. Even if he plays, this Eagles defensive unit may hit the wall at some stage after a great start to the year.  

 

Results  

The Eagles will give it a crack, but the Tigers might be too much at home. Should be an attractive contest, but the Tigers to take advantage of the stretched Eagles defence as injury concerns mount.  

Tigers by 22.

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