Danny Frawley questions whether Richmond's forward structure can handle finals pressureJon Pierik
The Age
27 August 2017As Richmond fights to preserve a top-four finish, former coach Danny Frawley has questioned whether the Tigers' forward set-up can enjoy a dominant September.
The Tigers will seek redemption against St Kilda on Sunday for their 67-point loss in round 16 – the high point of the Saints' season. The Saints will have even greater motivation to finish the season on a winning note for it will be the final game of Nick Riewoldt's grand career.
Riewoldt was superb when the clubs last met – his ability to stem the rebound of Alex Rance (11 disposals) while also booting three goals of his own was pivotal in a win which left the Saints firmly in the finals hunt. But three-straight defeats, and four from their past six, all but ended that dream.
That finals dream for the Tigers, however, has been realised, and they are still hoping to secure the double chance. Their aim is to win their first final since 2001, having lost their past four, including three-straight elimination-final exits from 2013-15.
Frawley, who guided the Tigers to their last finals win, against Carlton in 2001, remains unconvinced they will prevail this year with only Jack Riewoldt as a marking tall inside attacking 50.
"I still think their forward line is great once they get it (ball) in there but I just reckon in big games, I just have my doubts whether Riewoldt one out is going to be able to do it," he said.
"I don't think there is anyone else on their list at the moment. Damien (Hardwick) has tried hard. It's not as if he doesn't want to play an extra tall but there is no one there. You have got (Dan) Butler in really good form and all these half-forwards but I just worry, when there is a lot of pressure on the ball in big games at the MCG, whether they have another down-the-line targets which you need."
Ben Griffiths, having battled concussions, was selected to play in the VFL on Sunday and could provide marking help if the Tigers feel he has regained fitness. The Tigers had turned to medium-sized forward Josh Caddy to provide marking relief for Riewoldt before he hurt his hamstring against Geelong at Simonds Stadium.
The Tigers have been one of the best sides in terms of pressuring opponents inside 50, ranking second for time in forward-half differential. They also force turnovers, and will hope this rage is maintained in September.
Hardwick said the heavy loss to the Saints had been a "a blessing in disguise in a way".
"We don't want to get obliterated – that's obviously not the case – but (I'm) really pleased with the ability for our guys to understand the concepts we didn't nail that well, and it's held us in good stead from that game onwards," he said.
The Tigers have won five of their past six, the only defeat being to Geelong at Simonds Stadium.
"I still think their forward line is great once they get it in there but I just reckon in big games, I just have my doubts whether Riewoldt one out is going to be able to do it."
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/danny-frawley-questions-whether-richmonds-forward-structure-can-handle-finals-pressure-20170826-gy4rwp.html
