The Barometer - Finals Week 1 Herald-Sun
September 1, 2014RICHMONDON THE BLOCK: Ricky Petterd is in the most danger. He has done some important jobs this year but copped the red vest after just five disposals on Saturday. Nathan Gordon was quiet but kicked an important goal and his pace will be handy against Port. Chris Newman and Nick Vlastuin will be looking to improve on their Sydney form.
ON THE CUSP: Some tough questions for selectors. Dan Jackson is available after serving a one-game VFL suspension and Ty Vickery is still waiting in the wings. Team balance, and a match-saving Ben Griffiths mark, might keep him out. The likes of Sam Lloyd, Matt Dea and Ben Lennon provide further depth.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: Wow. I didn’t think I’d be writing this section until about 6.55pm on Saturday but the Tigers are here and have form and virtually a full list to pick from at the right time of year. A trip interstate won’t bother the Tigers — they have won their past five road trips, including silencing the Adelaide Oval crowd against the Crows. But the fact Port is clearly the strongest side in the bottom half of the eight might. Richmond got the Power in Round 17 during their mini form slump, but Port has its mojo back now. Alex Rance and Troy Chaplin should have Jay Schulz and Justin Westhoff covered, while Newman, Steve Morris and Dylan Grimes have huge jobs trying to contain Robbie Gray and Chad Wingard.
http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/the-barometer-whos-on-the-block-and-cusp-ahead-of-week-one-of-2014-afl-finals-series/story-fndv7pj3-1227043760741
