Tigers' tactics will test Swans to limit Todd Balym
From: The Daily Telegraph
June 10, 2011 SYDNEY'S defence faces its sternest test of the season on Sunday with Richmond rated one of the AFL's most dangerous attacks spearheaded by leading goalkicker Jack Riewoldt.
In a classic case of one of the AFL's sharpest offences clashing with one of the tightest defences, Sydney must combat the free-flowing attack of the Tigers at the SCG if they're to extend their current winning streak to three games.
Richmond is ranked fifth in the AFL for points scored, but it is the frequency to score a goal from their inside 50s which is most alarming with the Tigers ranked only just below premiers Collingwood at scoring efficiency.
The Tigers convert 28.4 per cent of their inside 50s, just below Collingwood's 28.9 per cent and well ahead of the Swans who at 22.6 per cent are ranked at 16th.
The potency of Richmond's forward line evident in the fact Sydney average more inside 50s but the Tigers still outscore them by almost three goals per game.
While Riewoldt leads the AFL goalkicking charts with 36 majors, it is midfielder Dustin Martin who is the most dangerous with more involvement in Richmond scores than any other player.
But Martin said the Tigers would be focused primarily on their defence against the Swans, particularly as they're rated 15th for points conceded while Sydney's defenders rank a respectable fifth.
"Defence is first for us," said Martin.
"We have to improve on our defence. We're going pretty well offensively, we need to improve our defence and try not to let the sides score heavily against us."
Swans coach John Longmire is aware of Richmond's multiple scoring options, but he has more than enough confidence in his side's ability to kick a winning score after their breakthrough against Brisbane last week when they piled home 13 first half goals.
"It's very difficult to keep that up for four quarters," said Longmire.
"What I was pleased about was we got our hands on the ball. It helps your attack. We won the contested possessions and clearances really well and once we got our hands on the ball obviously the momentum goes your way."
The most important element of Sunday's game is the impact the result will have on the ladder. A Swans victory would put them three games clear of the Tigers at the halfway point of the season and seriously dent the chances of Richmond tossing them out of the final eight.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/afl/tigers-tactics-will-test-swans-to-limit/story-e6frexwr-1226072696454
