Finals preview: Port Adelaide v Richmond Liam Mannix
The Age
September 1, 2014 First elimination final
Port Adelaide v Richmond
Sunday, 3.20pm Adelaide Oval
SELECTION TABLEHalf-back Cam O'Shea was omitted from the Power's squad against Fremantle for first-year player Jarman Impey. Impey is a quick, small defender, while O'Shea can play small or on the third tall.
Matt White was subbed off early after appearing to injure a groin, and it's not yet clear whether he will line up on Sunday, but he has already missed three weeks of the season with the same complaint. If he doesn't get up, endurance athlete Kane Mitchell, a coach's favourite despite suspect disposal by foot, may get a guernsey. If he does, the team will be weaker for it – despite Mitchell's desperation, he is clearly the less-damaging player. Defender Tom Logan was best afield in Port Adelaide's reserves game on the weekend and is a chance to play.
Richmond will consider both ruck-forward Ty Vickery, back from suspension, and reigning best-and-fairest Dan Jackson. However, with coach and players both praising the importance of consistency in the Tigers' hot run of late-season form, changes seem unlikely. Reece Conca had an impact after going on as the sub for the quiet Ricky Petterd, so he may get a chance to start next week. Forward David Astbury played three quarters in the VFL last weekend, but with Richmond's reserves out of the finals had no chance to build match fitness. Sam Lloyd, who played well when these teams last met, had 25 disposals and kicked three goals in that VFL match.
2014 MEETINGSRound 17, July 13, Etihad Stadium. Richmond 19.12 (126) d Port 16. 10 (106)
The first "real" opponent Richmond beat in its late-season form streak. Rookie find Anthony Miles was the Tigers' best. Jack Riewoldt kicked three and Robbie Gray kicked four for Port. Alex Rance kept Jay Schulz to two goals.
WHO WINSPort Adelaide.
Adelaide Oval has become a fortress for this young team. After a mid-season slump caused by the loss of its two key defenders, it has slowly been building towards finals and arrives in reasonable form. Robbie Gray may be the difference – he's racking up good games and Brownlow votes, with two goals and 33 touches against Fremantle. Chad Wingard seems to save his best for big moments, and goes into the match in good form.
After beating Sydney, Richmond celebrated like a team that had won a grand final. Realistically, it beat a team without superstar Lance Franklin and with little to play for. While its achievement in making finals is praiseworthy, it shouldn't distract from the fact that the club has gone backwards from last year. It relies heavily on a few superstars – Martin, Deledio, Cotchin and Riewoldt – with talent too thin below them. The Power has developed a depth of talent across the ground.
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