KEY MATCH UPS
IT promises to be an enthralling battle between the Cats and the Tigers at the MCG tonight. Footy writer
LACHIE YOUNG looks at some of the potential matchups that could decide how things unfold.
GEELONG INSIDE-50
Harry Taylor will play forward, but look for Tom Hawkins to push up the ground. It will allow the Cats to dictate how they counter Alex Rance, who prefers to stay closer to home. If it is wet, Brandan Parfitt and James Parsons will have plenty of work to do off the ball in keeping the footy locked inside the Geelong’s forward half. He could go to Bachar Houli to curb his run off halfback. Steven Motlop will have enjoyed the week’s break and he needs a big game.
RICHMOND INSIDE-50
Tom Lonergan should line up on Jack Riewoldt, which means Lachie Henderson can play the intercept role as he has done so well this season. Tom Stewart gets Dustin Martin when he goes forward, but that mightn’t happen as much as it did in Round 21. Geelong has several options to stop Richmond’s smaller forwards, with Jed Bews, Andrew Mackie, Jake Kolodjashnij and Zach Tuohy versatile enough to play different roles as required.
MIDFIELD BATTLE
So much spoken about Patty Dangerfield and Dustin Martin, but there is plenty of talent elsewhere. The two opposing captains, Joel Selwood and Trent Cotchin, can be damaging if left alone so expect them to get plenty of attention at the stoppages. Mitch Duncan and Sam Menegola have had great years but Brandon Ellis and Dion Prestia will have an impact outside and inside respectively. The Tigers will have to be mindful of Duncan’s exquisite ball use forward of centre.
RUCK DUEL
As is Richmond’s wont, Toby Nankervis will carry the bulk of the ruck duties, with some assistance coming from Shaun Grigg. It means Zac Smith simply has to exert his dominance at every opportunity. Mark Blicavs will chip in when needed, but Smith has an opportunity to play one of the defining matches of his career. The idea that ruckmen can’t have an influence on wet nights is outdated and the former Gold Coast big man is primed for a huge night.
THE WEATHER
When Richmond met GWS at the MCG it showed the football world what it can do against quality teams in the wet. Part of that was down to the Giants refusing to adapt to the conditions, but the Tigers shone on a dull and dreary afternoon. The rain won’t affect Geelong as it has experience training in those conditions and, despite having plenty of tall timber, guys like Cam Guthrie and Scott Selwood will love getting down and dirty.