Sportal is also predicting the Eagles to win by 26 points ...
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WE THINK:
The Eagles should win this one but we can expect another concerted effort from the Tigers.
Key will be the Tigers ability to stand up to the Eagles' all-ground press and their ferocious attack on the ball. Hardwick's men have shown far greater composure under pressure and perhaps more importantly, consistency in their opening four games.
The Eagles' much-vaunted tall forward trio of Jack Darling, Quinten Lynch and Josh Kennedy combined for just three goals last week but the team only kicked five and the conditions were hardly conducive.
Last time the sides met in Melbourne, Jack Riewoldt booted 10 goals on a hapless Eric Mackenzie. The mobile defender poses a far different prospect now though and held Lance Franklin (one goal) superbly last week while picking up 27 disposals himself.
Hardwick may be forced to make a decision on out-of-form ruckman/forward Tyrone Vickery. A combined 23 touches and 10 marks in four games is hardly the kind of form you want to be taking in against the best ruck duo in the competition in Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui.
Angus Graham may get the nod to help Ivan Maric, who has been serviceable but will have his work cut out on Sunday. The Eagles' disposal efficiency has improved on last season and they are so strong through the midfield with Kerr, Priddis, Scott Selwood and the aforementioned rucks, who combined will have too much firepower for the Tigers.
West Coast by 26 points.
Read full preview at: http://www.sportal.com.au/afl-news-display/preview-richmond-v-west-coast-173299