AFL: Richmond's time to show they belong among league's best Jon Pierik
The Age
June 19, 2015 - 5:38PM Richmond's bid to prove they belong in any conversation involving the league's premier teams continues on Friday night when they confront a West Coast Eagles side boasting one of the most potent attacks in the league.
Having toppled the fourth-placed Collingwood and competition-leaders Fremantle as part of four-game winning streak heading into the mid-season break, the Tigers now face the third-placed Eagles at the MCG. They are confident a week off has not diminished their zest, with track watchers confirming a Tuesday session had been particularly physical.
The Tigers' confidence was exemplified in naming an unchanged side for the first time this season.
The Eagles have arguably the competition's most dangerous attack, with Josh Kennedy (averaging almost four goals a match), Josh Hill, Mark LeCras and Jack Darling each capable of taking control.
However, Tigers coach Damien Hardwick has been happy with a settled defensive half that has shown greater maturity and calmness in recent weeks when counter-attacking.
"We've had pretty good success with our back six remaining pretty steady and just dictating their own match-ups where they see fit so we back those guys in and I'm sure they'll get the job done again," Hardwick said.
One of the key midfield battles is expected to be between Tiger Brandon Ellis (27.4 disposals, 2.6 clearances) and Andrew Gaff (29 disposals, 2.8 clearances). Gaff has averaged more than 30 disposals in his past four matches, and the Tigers will need to curb his outside run. They will also need to find a way of restricting Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis, averaging 30.5 disposals, including more than 15 contested, who is having an even better season than last year when he claimed the league's top individual honour.
While the Eagles know how to score, their defence has also been strong, despite injuries to Eric Mackenzie and Mitch Brown. Coach Adam Simpson has been able to enforce a robust defensive press, ensuring the ball is regularly locked in their attacking half.
The Eagles will hope fullback Jeremy McGovern has recovered from a badly corked leg to tackle Tigers spearhead Jack Riewoldt.
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-richmonds-time-to-show-they-belong-among-leagues-best-20150619-ghsfk7.html
