The AFL site is tipping the Eagles to win by over 4 goals
Preview: Richmond v West CoastBy Paul Daffey and Nathan Schmook
Tue 24 Apr, 2012WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, April 29, 3.15pm
LAST TIME: West Coast 22.15 (147) d Richmond 14.6 (90), round 20, at Patersons Stadium
West Coast is on top of the ladder after four impressive victories, while Richmond is 13th with one victory. The ladder suggests an easy victory to the Eagles, but Richmond has put up spirited performances in its losses against three teams expected to push for the top four (Carlton, Collingwood, Geelong). The Eagles have won their only game in Melbourne this season, against the Bulldogs in round one, and another would confirm their premiership credentials.
THE FOUR POINTS
RICHMOND1. The burning question surrounding the Tigers is whether they can take that extra step and score a victory over a highly rated opponent. They’ve been close in their three attempts in the opening rounds, losing after short lapses against experienced teams. A win over the Eagles would represent a huge step towards their aim of becoming a respected team.
2. The Tigers lost to Geelong by 10 points last Sunday after errors from half-back Steven Morris (four games) and Reece Conca (21 games) when the game was at its most tense late in the last quarter. Both had handballs smothered when teammates were in attacking positions. Coach Damien Hardwick says his team will improve only by getting games into the younger players. Morris and Conca will be keen to atone.
3. The form of Tyrone Vickery as a ruckman and forward leaves Richmond in a conundrum. After having only 23 disposals and taking 10 marks in the opening four rounds, Vickery is not in the sort of nick to help Ivan Maric take on the Eagles' celebrated ruck duo, Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui. The Tigers might take in an extra tall — you could put a case for any of Angus Graham, Tom Derickx or Andrew Browne — or it might just be the occasion for Vickery to play himself back into form.
4. While Richmond won the contested possession count against Geelong by 10, the Cats were better at getting the hard ball during the last quarter, which decided the game. Richmond just needs to hold its concentration and keep its composure and it will take a big scalp.
WEST COAST1. Will West Coast continue to be awarded more free kicks than the opposition, particularly for high tackles, after Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson put the issue on the agenda this week? Luke Shuey (12), Ashton Hams (eight) and Scott Selwood (five) are among the top six players across the League this season for winning free kicks from high tackles, but the AFL says there is no issue with the 'shrug-tackle' technique Clarkson has highlighted.
2. The last time West Coast met Richmond in Melbourne, in round 12, 2010, Jack Riewoldt booted 10 goals and young Eagle Eric Mackenzie had his colours lowered. After an outstanding performance against Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin, however, Mackenzie is clearly a different prospect. The 23-year-old is stamping himself as a quality key defender and the pressure will be on Riewoldt to perform. RIewoldt has kicked just two goals from his last three games.
3. Midfielder Daniel Kerr burst back to form against Hawthorn, winning 33 possessions, nine clearances and kicking a vital late goal to be best afield. The Western Bulldogs and Greater Western Sydney have shut him down so far this season - holding him to seven and 13 possessions respectively - but can the Tigers contain the premiership on-baller now that he has some form behind him?
4. The conditions played a significant role in West Coast's inaccurate 5.21 (51) return against the Hawks, but key forward Josh Kennedy admitted this week a lack of composure was also a factor. Kennedy, Quinten Lynch and Jack Darling, who played a match-turning hand, combined for 3.7 in the greasy conditions while ruckmen Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui went goalless.
AFL.com.au prediction: West Coast by 26 pointshttp://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/133965/default.aspx