SuperFooty previews every club's 2013 fixture
Sam Landsberger
From: Herald Sun
January 11, 2013
RICHMONDEASY GAMES:The Tigers’ trademark “easy games” are scattered throughout the season, which isn’t a bad result. They open with three matches against non-finalists, giving the chance to sing the song early – something they struggled to do last season. Four of the final five games are at the MCG, with the exception a trip to Skoda Stadium to face GWS.
CRUNCH GAMES:It starts with Round 1 against Carlton. Can the Tiges finally get some success to start the season? The month leading into Richmond’s bye will also be telling – it faces Port Adelaide away, Melbourne, Essendon and the Eagles in Perth. Dare we mention the trip to Cairns to host the Gold Coast?
TOUGH GAMES:Two trips to Perth and a clash with Sydney at the SCG hurt, but other than that it looks a friendly year for the Tigers. They also meet top-four outfits Collingwood and Hawthorn just once each. The Tigers smashed grand finalists Hawthorn and Sydney last year, can they repeat those performances in 2013?
ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:The Blues – courtesy of a Brock McLean shank – nailed Richmond’s coffin shut last season, so expect some fireworks in Round 1 for Mick Malthouse’s Carlton coaching debut. The Blues have won the past nine against Richmond, while surely, SURELY it can snap the curse of Cairns and topple Gold Coast this year.
SUMMARY:After some uncertainty owing to the MCG availability, the Tigers kept their Round 1 blockbuster against Carlton, while 13 games at the MCG will please the club and fans alike. A balanced draw with a spread out travel load presents the ideal chance for a red-hot crack at the finals.
OPENING MONTH:Round 1 v Carlton (MCG)
Round 2 v S Kilda (MCG)
Round 3 v Western Bulldogs (ES)
Round 4 v Collingwood (MCG)
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/superfooty-previews-every-clubs-2013-fixture/story-fnex616o-1226550672948
