Tough Tigers set for serious SCG test

AFL. Swans v Tigers

Sydney vs Richmond, Friday Night 7:50pm, SCG

There was probably no greater Richmond result than last week’s lost to West Coast. Ask their supporters how many times good form hits a wall against a decent team at home when they’re expected to have a win.

What is likely to frustrate them more is before their break, they seemingly dismantled the best team currently in the league. Ran Freo off their feet, sliced them open with precision kicking and excellent decision making. All this to then show up on Friday and play an error ridden brand against a team they probably would have beaten if they worked hard enough.

Supposing Richmond play this error ridden brand against the Swans, they’ll be played off the park. Everyone knows how keen Sydney are to close down space and grind out until they win possession. If Richmond can both hold on to the ball and attack when required, they can limit the impact Sydney’s array of harden midfielders have on the game.

The equation is becoming quite simple for the Swans – keep chasing Freo and even if they don’t get top spot, a home final is very likely. They’re not playing at 100%, but they’re nonetheless getting results. They’re also flying under the radar, something they did quite well in 2012 when all eyes were on Hawthorn.

The question is, how far do they stay there? Many will get weary of them closer to finals, and there are a few crunch games coming up to round out the season which winning will heighten their profile. I’m sure Longmire doesn’t care and welcomes the challenge, but he also doesn’t want this squad ahead of themselves as they’re prone to lapses like Round 1.

 

Key Match Ups

Dane Rampe vs Dustin Martin

Martin played fantastically across half-forward on Friday night, collecting the footy and damaging the opposition forward of centre. Of course Sydney’s mids will work hard to cover him, but defensive smaller types like Rampe for the Swans need to be on guard in case he slips the net.

Alex Rance vs Kurt Tippett

Now post-contract negotiations, Rance has to deliver. He made a few errors last week and everyone has bad games, but he’s got to minimise those or Tippett could have a day out. Tippett isn’t struggling for form, but he’s not setting the house on fire either and would probably quite motivated to settle doubts around his application.

 

Result

There’s a compelling argument if ‘Good’ Richmond show up, they’re up to their necks in this one. Problem with that assumption is we’re just not seeing it enough. Swans at home will be too good.

Swans by 35

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