Grimes eager to take on Pies’ best
RICHMOND defender Dylan Grimes says he is disappointed to miss a crack at injured Collingwood young gun Jordan de Goey in the sold-out AFL showdown at the MCG.
De Goey will watch today’s blockbuster from the stands after he was ruled out with bone stress in his lower leg.
While his absence will make Grimes’s job a little easier, the All-Australian candidate said he had been looking forward to the challenge.
“He’s been leading them up forward and has kicked a lot of goals, so he’s a big out for them,” Grimes said.
“As a defensive unit we want to challenge ourselves against the best forwards ... but they’ve got so many other players playing good footy it will be an opportunity for another player.”
While Richmond sits atop the AFL ladder, the thirdplaced Magpies are looking to be a finals force.
Grimes said it would provide his team with a marker of how it was travelling.
“It’s a good opportunity for us to challenge ourselves against one of the best teams,” the 27-year-old said.
“They’re flying, their form’s been electric and it’s going to be huge clash as there’s a huge rivalry from way back.”
Grimes said even without de Goey, Collingwood had a forward structure what would keep the Tigers on their toes.
“They’ve got a unique set of attributes with Mason Cox, so aerially they’re really strong,” he said.
“Will Hoskin-Elliott can take a mark but is equally as damaging on the ground, so as a defender you know you’re going to have to be elite in the air and also do everything you can to stop them on the ground.
“The best sides have multiple looks that challenge you as a defensive unit and I think Collingwood do that better than anyone else.”
The Tigers will wear a purple-trimmed playing strip in support of the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, which is focused on protecting children from violence. Grimes has worked closely with the organisation and said it was an honour for Richmond to support the charity.