Forward Scout: Richmond v Brisbane
Thu 31 May, 2007
By Brian Royal
for richmondfc.com.au
Richmond assistant coach Brian Royal runs his eye over the Tigers clash against the Brisbane at the Telstra Dome
LESSONS FROM LAST WEEKWe need to stick to the team structure and plans. At critical times last week, we felt that our players broke down and allowed Essendon to take control of the game in certain areas.
OUR BACKSJoel Bowden and Graham Polak are, probably, the two guys in line to take on Jonathan Brown. Brown is a great player and it is going to be a huge job for whoever gets him.
THEIR FORWARDSWhen a team has got such a dominant forward, like Brown, what tends to happen is that a player ends up going unnoticed and pops up and kicks a couple of crucial goals. Ashley McGrath is one of their main dangers, although, he is doubtful at the moment with a knee injury. Another player we’ll have to look out for is Mitchell Clark. He kicked five goals for them in his first game last week and is a classic example of the type that can get under your guard if you are not careful.
MIDFIELD BATTLEOur midfielders are starting to make better decisions with the footy and, in particular, Nathan Foley is one of the leaders in that area at the moment. Brett Deledio is also starting to come into a bit of form and is certainly starting to add a little extra bite to our midfield. With the likes of Simon Black, Luke Power and, at times, Nigel Lappin going through there, it is going to be a tough ask for us. They [Brisbane] are very strong in the stoppage region, at centre bounces and ball ups. However, if we can match them in that area, it will obviously help us on the scoreboard.
THE RUCK DUELJamie Charman and Beau McDonald are probably one of the strongest ruck combinations in the competition at the moment. So, all we ask of Adam [Pattison] each game is for him to be competitive – which means neutralising his opponent or, at the very least, stopping them from hitting them to where they want it. Charman is very good around the ground and that is one of Adam’s strengths as well, so it will be interesting to see whether Jamie can run with Adam the other way.
OUR FORWARDSMatthew Richardson had a great game last week, kicking four goals playing under duress. No doubt there is going to be a fairr bit of focus from Brisbane towards him, just like we will have towards Jonathan Brown. Last week, our forward set up changed due to having Kent Kingsley in the line up. While Kent did not kick any goals, he certainly helped to balance the side as he is a very team-orientated player.
THEIR BACKSThe Lions defensive unit leads the competition in spoils and, for a few of their defenders, it is one of the key requirements of their game. They have good honest players down there who like to rebound and they certainly like to get a bit of support from their midfield as well.
LAST TIME THEY METRound 19, 2006 - Richmond d Brisbane Lions by 82 points, (TD) (N)
RICHMOND WIN PERCENTAGE Richmond v Brisbane Lions: 50 per cent
Richmond @ Telstra Dome: 41.3 per cent
Richmond v Brisbane Lions @ Telstra Dome: 50 per cent
MATCH NOTEThe two teams have only played twice at the Telstra Dome - a 63 point-win for the Lions in 2002 and an 82-point victory for the Tigers last year. This season, the Lions are one from two at the venue - a two-goal win over Carlton in round five and a 64-point thrashing at the hands of Essendon in round eight.
The Lions head into this game on a three-game losing streak - 31 points to Adelaide (Gabba), 64 points to Essendon (Telstra Dome) and 33 points to Collingwood (Gabba).
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