The AFL site is tipping the Crows; Robbo in the Herald-Sun however is going for us. He thinks we can out-run them.
Preview: Adelaide v RichmondBy Harry Thring and Paul Daffey
Tue 26 Jun, 2012WHERE AND WHEN: AAMI Stadium, Saturday June 30, 1.40pm
LAST TIME: Adelaide 15.9 (99) defeated by Richmond 17.19 (121) round 23, 2011 at AAMI Stadium
After a disappointing display last weekend against North Melbourne, the Crows will be hell bent on restoring order against a rested Richmond outfit. The Tigers enjoyed a bye last weekend, but will that work in their favour? Richmond is building towards a long-awaited return to finals football and a big scalp in Adelaide would be a huge step to achieving that goal.
THE FOUR POINTS
ADELAIDE1. Adelaide was well down in its primary KPI against North Melbourne - contested possession. The Kangaroos smashed the Crows at the contests; managing 134 contested disposals - 19 more than Adelaide. Coach Brenton Sanderson will want his players to get back to what they had done so well in the first half of the season, because another loss here and a few questions will start to be asked.
2. If the Crows are to play a telling role come finals time they must stop their opposition scoring when their own attack dries up. After Fremantle worked its way back from a six-goal deficit in round 10 and St Kilda from five goals back in round 12, North Melbourne kicked away last Sunday. There's no doubt that when Adelaide's flying, it's one of the most imposing sides in the competition, but when it's not it seems to be scored against with relative ease.
3. Adelaide's midfield didn't fire against the Kangaroos, conceding more clearances it they won and leaking 16 more inside 50s. Scott Thompson, Patrick Dangerfield and Rory Sloane were all serviceable, but their numbers weren't high enough and they didn't receive nearly enough support from Brent Reilly, Richard Douglas or Bernie Vince. With Richmond boasting one of the elite midfields of the competition, the Crows' engine room must rebound.
4. Taylor Walker found some goalkicking form last Sunday, finishing with 3.1. With Kurt Tippett no certainty to play after he suffered concussion against North Melbourne, Walker might need to step up his output against Richmond. He's capable of tearing sides apart and with Jack Riewoldt at the other end, a mid-90s-style full forward showdown could eventuate.
RICHMOND1. The most notable duel in this match will be between Adelaide ruckman Sam Jacobs and his Richmond counterpart Ivan Maric. It was after the Crows had flagged their interest in enticing Jacobs from Carlton that Richmond moved in to lure Maric from Adelaide. Both men have had fine seasons, but the Richmond man is winning by comparison. He has more marks, kicks, handballs and, especially, tackles. Jacobs will need a big game to tip the scales in his favour.
2. The feelgood story out of Richmond's defeat of Greater Western Sydney in round 12 was the performance of half-forward Daniel Connors, who returned from oblivion to kick three goals, including two in the last quarter as the Tigers fought off the Giants' challenge. The club suspended Connors during the off-season for his nocturnal shenanigans. He had to string together a series of consistent performances with the Coburg Tigers before earning a recall to the Richmond team, and he'd be keen to hold his spot.
3. Richmond's two key defenders - inexperienced pair Alex Rance and Ben Griffiths - will have their work cut out against Adelaide duo Tippett (if selected) and Walker. Rance has been a rock this season. He's also been the first point of attack on many occasions; his average of 16 disposals a game is high by full-back standards. Griffiths has been only fair since earning a recall in round nine, and will want to be at his sharpest to hold off Walker, who's likely to his opponent.
4. Last week's bye came at the right time for Richmond. After winning four games in five weeks, the Tigers came unstuck against Fremantle in round 11 and only just managed to get home against the Giants in round 12. They appeared tired and battered, and in need of a rest. By this Saturday it will have been 14 days since their last match, while Adelaide will have had a break of six days. The Tigers should be fresh and raring to go.
AFL.com.au prediction: Adelaide by 21 points
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/139640/default.aspx
