The burning questions and the best analysis ahead of the Port Adelaide-Richmond elimination finalBruce Matthews
Herald-Sun
September 06, 2014 8:00PMBURNING QUESTIONS1. Has Richmond the energy left to lift the workrate to finals intensity?As coach Damien Hardwick pointed out, his Tigers have survived virtual elimination finals for the past five weeks. So pressure is not new to them.
That elimination final loss last year should ensure they won’t subconsciously slacken off, as if reaching the finals again is sufficient effort.
But the worry will be if they fall behind early and whether there are the mental reserves remaining to fight back yet again.
2. Are the Tigers better prepared to extend their finals campaign this time?Aside from a near full-strength list, several players, such as Dustin Martin, Anthony Miles, Brandon Ellis, Ben Griffiths, Reece Conca and Nick Vlastuin are more mature and match hardened.
While there was never a question of midfield talent, there’s more grunt in there now. And a balance on each line with ruckman Ivan Maric, Alex Rance marshalling the defence and Jack Riewoldt presenting as a reliable forward target.
3. Is there an X-factor in Richmond’s line-up?Hardwick admits he should never have left Nathan Foley out of the midfield group last September.
Foley’s work was often overlooked in the revival with the focus on vastly improved Miles at the centre bounces and stoppages, but he has the knack and experience to lead the critical contested-ball duels and provide supply for captain Trent Cotchin and his band.
Richmond dominated the contested possession 159-126 in the 20 points win against the Power in Round 17 and must at least finish ahead again if it hopes to advance deeper into the finals.
THE MATCH-UPJay Schulz v Alex RanceRance is in All-Australian contention and Schulz was right in line to win the Coleman Medal. What an appetising battle for supremacy if it eventuates with both combatants so strong in the overhead and strength marking duels.
Schulz managed only two goals against the Tigers last time, so Hardwick may have another assignment for his in-form tall backman.
THE FORMRound 17
Richmond 19.12 (126) d. Port Adelaide 16.10 (106)
Goalkickers
Richmond: Lloyd 3, Riewoldt 3, Petterd 2, Chaplin 2, Vickery 2.
Port Adelaide: Gray 4, Broadbent 2, White 2, Schulz 2.
Best
Richmond: Miles, Cotchin, Deledio, Rance.
Port Adelaide: Boak, Gray, Cornes, Wines.
Never more than a couple of goals in it for the entire game at Etihad Stadium. Travis Boak was an inspiring Power skipper and Sam Lloyd bobbed up as the surprise on the Tigers’ scoresheet.
THE FACTS (powered by CHAMPION DATA)PORT ADELAIDEPORT Adelaide won three and lost six matches against top-eight sides this season. Richmond lost its first six matches against fellow finalists and won its next three.
THE Power has recorded an average time-in-forward-half differential of plus 10min 58sec per game this season, ranked No.1.
MATTHEW Broadbent has gained an average of 439m per game in 2014, the best at Port Adelaide.
THE Power have scored from 19 per cent of Jack Hombsch’s intercept possessions this year, ranked sixth of the top 25 intercept possession winners in the competition.
RICHMONDRICHMOND has laid 63 tackles per game on average this season against top-eight sides, ranked 15th.
SINCE Round 15, Richmond has averaged 14 more contested possessions than its opponent per game, ranked No.2.
BRETT Deledio has averaged 26 disposals, 10 contested possessions, six inside 50s and four clearances per match in his past seven matches against the Power.
ALEX Rance has averaged eight intercept possessions per game this season, ranked No. 1 in the AFL.
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