The Age's Sydney v Richmond PreviewLAST TIME: Richmond 14. 5 (85) d Sydney 12.13 (85), Rnd 14, 2010, MCG
PAST FIVE: Sydney 4 Richmond 1
RECORD OVERALL: Sydney 82 Richmond 101 draw 1
AT THIS GROUND: Sydney 14 Richmond 10
SINCE 2000: Sydney 12 Richmond 6
BETTING: Sydney $1.25 Richmond $3.75
TV: Channel Seven (one hour delay)
RADIO: 3AW, Triple M
FORM: Sydney (6-3-1) WWLWW After a shock loss to Hawthorn at home, when Sydney was never in the hunt, the Swans ground out a win against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, almost willing themselves over the line after trailing for much of the game. They turned their form around dramatically with another surprise - an absolute annihilation of the seemingly improving Lions at the Gabba. Totally dominating the midfield through the agency of hard bodies like Jude Bolton (35 possessions, 8 tackles), the Swans set up a 78 point lead before eventually winning by 65. They had 135 more possessions than their hapless rivals.
Richmond (4-5-1) WWLWL The Tigers were brought back to earth by their visit to Darwin before their bye. And it would have hurt, for they had been flying high on the back of big wins over arch rival Essendon and finals contender Fremantle at the MCG. The loss to Port Adelaide was a reminder that this unit, exciting though their progress is, needs to learn many more lessons before it becomes a consistent winner. Prime movers Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin were restricted to 18 and 17 possessions respectively, the Tigers over-used the ball in wet conditions, never looking likely of overhauling Port after conceding six goals in the second quarter. If that game was a reminder that the Tigers must be smart as well as passionate, and switched on regardless of the venue, it could prove a useful jolt in a progressive year. Otherwise, it could herald a decline.
PERSONNEL: Pacy utility Shane Edwards may return after recovering from a depressed fracture of a cheekbone. Otherwise the Tigers are unlikely to make too many changes, since the seniors and Richmond's VFL affiliate Coburg both had the bye last weekend. Amongst those in the seconds include ruckman Angus Graham, named in the best players for his game against the Magpie reserves two weeks ago, and key position prospect Ben Griffiths, on the road back from a long-term injury. Richmond's strength has been its midfield, but that asset will be fully tested by a tough and deep Sydney unit on the confines of the SCG.
Sydney could welcome back quality on-baller Kieren Jack to further bolster a midfield unit that obliterated Brisbane last week. Sudddenly, it is hard to see which player would be the unlucky one to miss out. After having tried many inexperienced youngsters this season, now only Alex Johnson, Lewis Jetta and Sam Reid remain. Joshnson is doing nothing wrong in defence, winning plenty of the ball; Reid is an exciting investment in the future at centre half forward, and Jetta is a sporadic, but brilliant winger. Trent Dennis-Lane was quiet in his return to the forward line, but that division looked better for having him and makeshift key Lewis Roberts-Thompson in a new set-up. The Sydney team has a hardened look about it, with Craig Bird's return adding steel and discipline to the midfield, and a raft of half back/midfielders providing run from defence. Richmond's Jake King and friends will be kept busy by the likes of Martin Mattner, Tadgh Kennelly, Rhyce Shaw, and Nick Malceski
HISTORY: Sydney owned Richmond before suffering a four point loss at the MCG last year. They had won the previous eight matches between these clubs, and have not been beaten by the Tigers at the SCG since 2004. Jack Rieewoldt booted five majors last year as the Tigers booted five goals to two to ride the emotion of their home ground crowd to victory.
VERDICT: Richmond has the game's most convincing forward in Riewoldt, and can stop all but Adam Goodes at the other end, but you get the feeling they will find one too many match-up headaches elsewhere on the field to win this one. The midfield clashes should provide a great spectacle, with Richmond's stars up against the best blue collar unit going around. Sydney's consistency of effort should keep the Tigers from making any match-winning blitzes, and if it's an arm-wrestle at the SCG, it is wise to back the Swans, especially when they have the edge in experience and half back running power.
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