Mighty midfield strength points to Adelaide flag
THIS match has been built as the battle between the best offensive team, Adelaide, and the best defensive team, Richmond, which makes for some very interesting match-ups.
There is no doubt that Adelaide’s ability to rebound off half-back is an enormous strength, but Richmond’s capacity to supply forward-half pressure is elite, so that ensures we will get a fabulous contest.
The key to shutting down the Crows’ forward potency is not giving their halfbacks time and space, as this is where they get so much of their run and they spread so dangerously.
Daniel Rioli and Jason Castagna have been magnificent at stopping opposition forwards all year and throughout the finals, so they will be vital to helping the Tigers’ cause tomorrow.
Rory Laird is incredibly important and it will be fascinating to see whether Richmond decides to try to shut him out of the game.
The match-ups in the ruck will also be intriguing.
Sam Jacobs’ ability to win possession around the ground is something the Tigers have to manage and it will be crucial for both Jacobs and Toby Nankervis to give their on-ball brigades first look at stoppages.
Neither side tends to use taggers very often but the midfielders will definitely give a bit of attention to one another at the stoppages and from there they will take each other on and see how that plays out.
Trent Cotchin, Dustin Martin and Rory Sloane will influence the match to a point, but Adelaide seems to bat deeper through the midfield in terms of its ability to win the ball and amass possession, so weight of numbers may overcome the Tigers’ two elite on-ballers.
The Crows’ ball use is a little more efficient, particularly by foot, but if Richmond can negate that it gives it a redhot chance.
This will only be made possible through Richmond’s unrelenting pressure and tenacity from its small forwards and its on-ballers.
Adelaide’s ball use is like nothing the Tigers have seen this finals series and for that reason I think the Crows will win their first premiership in 19 years.