Match Preview: Western Bulldogs v Richmond
3:29:43 PM Tue 5 April, 2005
Ashley Browne
Exclusive to afl.com.au
WESTERN BULLDOGS v RICHMOND
WHERE & WHEN: Telstra Dome, Sunday, 2.10pm, Fox Footy, 3AW, Triple M, afl.com.au
HEAD TO HEAD: Western Bulldogs 61, Richmond 74, 1 draw
LAST TIME: Richmond 15.15 (105) d Western Bulldogs 10.22 (82) at the MCG, round eight, 2005.
THE MEDICAL ROOM: The Bulldogs expect to regain Chris Grant (calf) who was a late withdrawal last week and Jordan McMahon, who has a groin strain. The Tigers are only nursing David Rodan (knee) and Jay Schulz (ankle) who have long-term injuries.
THE STORY SO FAR: The Bulldogs showed considerable grit to peg back, and early overhaul Melbourne last week despite just coming off a five-day break. Rodney Eade appears to have flicked the right switch and is getting solid contributions from old sections of the list. Richmond snapped a 325-day losing streak when it outlasted the Hawks at the MCG on Sunday – a considerable effort after a tumultuous week off the ground.
THE WHITEBOARD: Eade's biggest headache is the form of Jade Rawlings, brought to the Whitten Oval from Hawthorn last year as the great white hope of the forward line, but whose form has generally been disappointing. Perhaps he needs to be sent down to the backline to play on his brother-in-law Matthew Richardson, against whom he enjoyed some success with the Hawks. The Tiger backline didn't appear all that convincing against the lightweight Hawks last week and Eade will try to stack his forward line with enough go-to players to try and expose Richmond's defensive shortcomings.
THE VERDICT: A worthy clash for Rivalry Round, particularly with Terry Wallace coaching against his former club and a former teammate. Both teams are at 1-1 but the Bulldogs have been more impressive, with a sturdy backline and more goalkicking options. Richardson is the key here, having booted a lazy 10 against the Dogs last time around. He might need to dominate again for the Tigers to win. Western Bulldogs by 18 points.
http://afl.com.au/default.asp?pg=matchdetails&spg=display&articleid=194187Always read these previews before doing my footy tips.
I think they are a good read 
