Which team beyond the top four has the best chance of having a serious crack at a flag? Rohan Connolly
The Age
September 7, 2015I reckon it's Richmond who tick the most boxes, provided they can get past a far truer representation of North Melbourne than they shrugged off last Friday night.
Neither a road trip to Perth nor Sydney to play Fremantle or Sydney in week two would worry the Tigers unduly, given they've already won at both venues this season.
The bulk of Richmond's victories in 2015 have been on the back of a steely defensive mindset and the sort of tough contested brand which stands up well in September.
But the Tigers' forward set-up is functioning as well right now as it has for a long time. Ty Vickery's last month has had plenty to do with that, allowing Jack Riewoldt further afield without robbing Peter to pay Paul so much, but Richmond's goalkicking spread has been impressive, too, with 10 or more individual goalkickers in three of their past four games.
The Tigers are entitled to go into Sunday's elimination final favourite. But only marginally. And on a weekend when you could easily tip the card or end up with zero. Not great if you're a punter. But music to the ears of the AFL.
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