2017 Grand Final: Richmond vs Adelaide @ the M.C.G., Sat. Sept. 30

[dwaino]

This year:

-tipped for bottom 4 (with Saints and Dees making it by default)
-worst 5-0 side ever
-will slide out of the 8
-won't make top 4
-weakest top 4 team
-gone in straight sets

The goal posts keep moving and now apparently we can't beat the Crows. I think it's fair that they're favourites but we're definitely a bi chance. Round 6 was a long time ago.

[one-eyed]

In SA, Rucci has the Cup already going to Adelaide and their "perfect team" .

---------------------------------------------------------------

Crows primed to claim third flag

Michelangelo Rucci,
Chief Football Writer,
The Advertiser
25 September 2017

THE Advertiser’s Chief Football Writer Michelangelo Rucci looks at this weekend’s AFL grand final match-up between the Adelaide Crows and Richmond.

AFL GRAND FINAL

ADELAIDE v RICHMOND

MCG, Saturday, 2pm


CROWS

1. THE PERFECT TEAM?

IT is the complete team. In attack, there are too many goalscoring threats to cover - even if there is a break-even count in the midfield. Taylor Walker, Eddie Betts, Josh Jenkins, Andy Otten, Tom Lynch and Charlie Cameron will all influence the scoreboard by their own boot or with goal assists.

In the midfield, there is now such meaningful diversity that it begs the question why the Crows wasted so much energy to work a dead-end trade period with Carlton midfielder Bryce Gibbs.

The rise of the Crouch brothers, All-Australian Matt and older brother Brad, to work with the experience of vice-captain Rory Sloane and Richard Douglas while living the dream with the tap work of ruckman Sam Jacobs is making a mockery of early calls - such as that from premiership coach Michael Malthouse - that the Crows midfield was one-dimensional, slow and unaccountable.

In defence, there has been significant improvement during the season when the Crows were tested by not winning the midfield.

The true standouts in this zone are All-Australian Rory Laird and the unheralded Luke Brown.

The most-telling observation of how this team has come together is from coach Don Pyke and Jenkins referring to the strength of “relationships” and “trust” built between the players. Sounds like what Kevin Bartlett and Michael Roach say of Richmond’s last premiership team in 1980.

2. REASON TO CHANGE?

IF - and it is a very big “if” - young forward Mitch McGovern was to overcome his left-hamstring strain, there would be reason to work a change on the team sheet - and most probably end Andy Otten’s incredible storyline.

Otten’s return to the AFL - after two years on the sidelines as he recovered from a serious knee injury and appeared in SANFL ranks to lack the pace to make it back to the big league - is an extraordinary tale of persistence, belief and proof that experience does count.

He deserves an AFL premiership medal, so he would be difficult to take out of the match 22.

There is the unanswered question on how upgraded rookie midfielder Hugh Greenwood came out of the preliminary final win against Geelong on Friday night when he had the least touches among his Crows team-mates.

This will be the first grand final since the first VFL-AFL premiership play-off in 1898 with each player on the park in his first grand final.

There is the question of how the Crows players will deal with the crowd of 100,000 at the MCG.

But after all the Adelaide squad has endured - and overcome - in the past three years, a few people cheering or jeering from the crowded terraces at the MCG should not be overwhelming.

MEDICAL ROOM

M. McGovern (hamstring) test

B. Smith (knee) season

C. Ellis-Yolmen (knee) season

J. Gallucci (jaw) season

E. Himmelberg (foot) season


TIGERS

1. CAN THEY SCORE?

ADELAIDE will certainly defy the impression of grand finals being more about defence than attack. But can the Tigers keep up?

Richmond’s attack is “different” - one key forward with Jack Riewoldt (who has scored 52 goals this season) and a seemingly unconventional group of smaller forwards who need to deal with the big occasion in their first AFL grand final. Daniel Rioli (42 games), Dan Butler (22), Jason Castagna (29 games) and Jacob Townsend (36 games) all have enormous assignments - and challenges - before them.

There also is the direct scoreboard contribution of Brownlow Medal-favourite Dustin Martin.

Townsend, the Liston Medallist as the best player in the VFL competition, has been outstanding since he returned to the Richmond line-up for the last two games of the home-and-away series and the two finals. He has kicked 14 goals in four matches.

Richmond does have to avoid the grand final turning into a shoot-out with Adelaide. This is where the noted pressure the Richmond half-forwards apply to the Crows defence to keep the ball in their forward half will be decisive.

The Tigers were good for 30 minutes - the first 30 minutes when they outscored the Crows six goals to five - in the teams’ only meeting this season, at Adelaide Oval on April 30.

2. CAN THEY DEFEND?

RICHMOND’S defence is the stand-out feature of the Tigers’ season. After conceding an average of 98 points last season, the Richmond defence has tightened up considerably to give up 75 points this year to rank as the AFL’s No. 2 defence (behind Sydney).

There is the All-Australian captain, Alex Rance. His key defenders’ tandem with the much-improved David Astbury is a major factor in the strengthening of the Richmond defensive system.

Richmond’s defensive game - as is the norm in the AFL today - is built on far more than the six defenders in Rance’s unit. Rance noted during the preliminary final win against Greater Western Sydney at the MCG that the work of the Tiger half-forwards in slowing the opposition’s defensive rebound is critical for Rance, Astbury, Dylan Grimes and Brandon Ellis setting up.

This quartet will find the prospect of dealing with Taylor Walker, Josh Jenkins and Eddie Betts off the creative set-up work of Tom Lynch will be difficult, no matter how the Richmond half-forwards become part of “team defence”.

MEDICAL ROOM

N. Drummond season


MRP VERDICTS

RORY SLOANE (CROWS)

ADELAIDE vice-captain Rory Sloane will have his second-quarter collision with Geelong midfielder Patrick Dangerfield played again and again, angle after angle, speed after speed, by the match review panel. The key questions - Sloane’s options, his raised forearm and Dangerfield’s ability to play on - should be answered in the Crow midfielder’s favour.

TRENT COTCHIN (TIGERS)

RICHMOND captain Trent Cotchin is the man who can deliver the final nail in the debate to bury the current AFL judicial system. His head-high moment with Greater Western Sydney midfielder Dylan Shiel in the opening term is complicated by the two fines Cotchin has carried to the final series. He either is cleared - or there will be an automatic ban and the inevitable run to the AFL appeals board. Working against Cotchin is Shiel being benched at quarter time by concussion.

BRANDON ELLIS (TIGERS)

RICHMOND defender Brandon Ellis is also up for review for his shoulder clip to the chin of Giants midfielder Lachie Whitfield midway through the last term. Whitfield did play on, giving Ellis comfort that there is no medical report to haunt him when the match review panel finishes watching the vision.

THE ODDS

Adelaide $1.70

Richmond $2.20

NORM SMITH MEDAL

Dustin Martin (R) $5.50

Rory Sloane (A) $7

Matt Crouch (A) $7

Brad Crouch (A) $11

Trent Cotchin (R) $11

Rory Laird (A) $15

THE RECORD

PLAYED: 35

ADELAIDE: 23 wins

RICHMOND: 12 wins

AT MCG: 5-5

FINALS: First meeting

LAST TIME: Adelaide 21.14 (140) d Richmond 10.4 (64) at Adelaide Oval, Round 6

THIS SEASON: Adelaide 1-0

SEASON TALLY
       CROWS   TIGERS
W-L-D  17-6-1  17-7
SCORE   110     92
AGAINST  79     75

EARLY CALL

CROWS by 39 points

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/expert-opinion/michelangelo-rucci/adelaide-crows-primed-to-claim-third-afl-premiership-in-grand-final-against-richmond-tigers/news-story/f78bb3a7d7c4fb4d8309685588c462af

[Eat_em_Alive]

stuff... 39 points??

what a wanker

[one-eyed]

Tigers fans paint Richmond yellow and black

PETER ROLFE,
Herald Sun
September 25, 2017

THE Tiger Army is locked and loaded for a week of Grand Final festivities not seen in Richmond for more than three decades.

Saturday’s thrilling preliminary final win ignited passionate scenes of celebration from long-suffering Richmond fans, waiting since 1980 for a flag and 1982 for the Tigers to book another Grand Final berth.

Now they are daring to dream that premiership No. 11 could finally be on its way to Tigerland.

Dual Richmond premiership player Rex Hunt fought back tears in the Tigers rooms after the win and urged this year’s crop of yellow-and-black stars to seize the day.

“I just want these kids to understand that you only come by this way but once,” he said.

“I was fortunate to go by the Richmond way in their golden years but some of the great players, like Richo, haven’t fired a shot.

“But now they’re in the big dance, we can dance all night.”

Richmond football boss Neil Balme told the Herald Sun the club’s spiritual home at Punt Rd Oval and surrounds would be “jumping’’ all week as players and fans alike lapped up the occasion.

“We are here for the fans in a big way so I’m hoping they’re enjoying it,’’ he said.

“I know we will give them a decent shot next week.

“They will love it ... it’s another great week for all the fans and all of us.’’

The club is tomorrow expected to announce when the doors to Punt Rd will be thrown open to fans for open training sessions, likely to lure huge crowds.

The streets of Richmond are already paved with yellow and black after Saturday’s fighting win, which triggered party time in the inner-city suburb with the team song on high rotation.

Shops in Swan St and Bridge Rd have begun decorating their windows in earnest.

Tigerland residents have painted fences, letterboxes, and water tanks in team colours, while Richmond scarfs and “eat em alive Tigers’’ signs hang proudly from front doors.

While Richmond rightly has home ground at the MCG this week, Adelaide fans forking out top dollar for limited Grand Final ticket allocations are also being stung more than $400 to fly one way to Melbourne.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/tigers-fans-paint-richmond-yellow-and-black-ahead-of-grand-final/news-story/0d24f86a933af1cef93d0bfc8724cb1d

[dwaino]

Stevic.








 

[Eat_em_Alive]

Just heard on SEN that if:
Adelaide wins Mark Bickley will Present the cup to the Crows
and if Richmond Win, Matthew Richardson will present the cup to the tigers

[Yeahright]

Yesssssss

[one-eyed]

What time does the Grand Final start?

afl.com.au
26 September 2017


SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 - TOYOTA AFL GRAND FINAL, MCG

8am: Melbourne Cricket Club gates open

9.30am: General public gates open

10am: NAB AFL All Stars Under-18s game

1.33pm: Welcome to Country by Uncle Bill Nicholson

1.34pm: Retiring greats and award winners motorcade.

1.43pm: The Killers perform

2.08pm: Mike Brady performs Up There Cazaly

2.11pm: Umpires Matt Stevic, Simon Meredith and Shaun Ryan enter ground

2.13pm: Richmond enter the arena

2.16pm: Adelaide enter the arena

2.25pm: Delivery of the premiership cup by VFL/AFL games record holder and North Melbourne great Brent Harvey

2.26pm: National anthem performed by Dami Im

2.30pm: Toyota AFL Grand Final begins

Half-time:
    NAB AFL Auskick
    Final of the Gatorade Grand Final Sprint
    Dami Im performs

5.15pm: Final siren, followed by the presentation of the Norm Smith Medal (to be presented by James Hird), the Jock McHale Medal (to be presented by Mick Malthouse), premiership medallions (to be presented by NAB AFL Auskick participants) and the premiership cup (to be presented by Mark Bickley and Matthew Richardson)

6.15pm: Virgin Australia Premiership Party – free concert

6.25pm: The Killers perform

7.30pm: Presentation of the premiership team with the premiership cup

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-09-26/what-time-does-the-2017-afl-grand-final-start

[one-eyed]

Richmond won't be intimidated by Adelaide tough anthem stance says Dustin Martin

LAUREN WOOD,
Herald Sun
27 September 2017

DUSTIN Martin has declared that Richmond will not be daunted if Adelaide attempts another national anthem stare-down in Saturday’s Grand Final.

The Crows have stood to attention during the anthem in every final so far, evenly spaced apart and staring directly at their opponents until they break away in a move that has drawn comparisons with the haka engaged by New Zealand’s national rugby outfit the All Blacks.

The Brownlow medallist said the Tigers would not be put off by any pre-game strategy.

“No, I don’t think it’ll be intimidating,” Martin said.

“Once the ball is bounced, we’ll worry about winning the footy.

“That’s the plan, so it won’t bother us.”

Adelaide ruckman Sam Jacobs said that it was “based around focus”.

“If people want to look into it and the other teams want to be worrying about that at that stage of the game, it is just about us respecting the national anthem and getting a good focus on what we’re about to do,” he said on SEN.

Jacobs also dismissed the “blink first” theory that the team would not move until the other team did, while teammate Rory Laird recently revealed that it was the brainchild of skipper Taylor Walker and the Crows leadership group.

And if the Tigers can salute against the Crows on Saturday, there could be some more ink on the cards for the tattooed superstar.

“Yeah, definitely, he said.

The 26-year-old said he is yet to really think about Saturday’s clash, but as the game grows closer he will “start to get nervous, but really excited as well”.

He said that he had never held any doubt as to Richmond’s chances this season, saying off-season changes and a “refreshing” feeling meant that “on day one (of preseason) as soon as I got here, I knew we were in for a good year”.

And he said the team is holding fast to its “why not” mentality.

“When we made the top four, it was like, ‘Why can’t it be us?’,” Martin said.

“We’re really looking forward to it.

“We’ve worked extremely hard together and given ourselves the best opportunity, so we’re just looking forward to it.”

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/richmond-wont-be-intimidated-by-adelaide-tough-anthem-stance-says-dustin-martin/news-story/9a7279595769f5d3de99820cdab4f193

[one-eyed]

Mitch McGovern confirmed to miss Saturday’s Grand Final.

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2017/09/27/crow-forward-ruled-out-of-grand-final/

[Owl]

Bloody shame Neville Crowe passed last year to miss this

[Simonator]

I've never seen Richmond succeed in my life.
All these years I remember looking st the 2 team in the granny thinking we are so far off, we will never be that good. Can't believe that this year, along side Adelaide we are the benchmark team in the comp. strange feeling

[🏅Dooks]

Bloody shame Neville Crowe passed last year to miss this

he aint far awsy

[one-eyed]

Jon Ralph’s player ratings of all 44 players in the Richmond v Adelaide clash

JON RALPH,
Herald Sun
28 September 2017

IT looms as an intriguing battle between the high-scoring Crows and frenetic pressure of the Tigers.

JON RALPH ranks every player based on their importance to the outcome.



1. Dustin Martin (Richmond)

The complete player.

Born for footy and born for September, he holds the fate of this game in his hand after an awesome year and two epic finals.

Last week he set up the opening goal, had 20 disposals, finished with three clutch goals and gave two off as well. 13 of those 20 disposals led to scores.

Incredible.

2. Alex Rance (Richmond)

The game’s best defender has four All Australian nods and now is putting together the finals resume he needs to challenge Matthew Scarlett as this generation’s best full back.

Ranks second in intercept possessions but also a threat with ball in hand. And to think he might have walked away from footy.

3. Trent Cotchin (Richmond)

His redefined his reputation with a phenomenal finals series, highlighted by frenzied assault on the ball and man.

The baby-faced assassin won a staggering 78 per cent of his possessions against Geelong in the contest, and is in white-hot form.

Nine tackles in both finals.

4. Rory Sloane (Adelaide)

Identical stats to Cotchin this year but is shaded only by his inability to break the tag and a good-but-not-great 20 possessions in the prelim.

The boy from Upwey Tecoma is Adelaide’s fire-starter. He dominates, they win.

5. Eddie Betts (Adelaide)

Betts has such profound talent he could rip this game from Richmond’s grasp in the space of five minutes.

54 goals for the year, third for assists and with a penchant for the sublime. What a player.

6. Matt Crouch (Adelaide)

A faultless home-and-away season keeps getting better with an All Australian nod and two 31-possession finals.

Yet to be tagged this year but write him off at your peril as an accumulator who doesn’t hurt you. Freakishly good.

7. Tom Lynch (Adelaide)

Fresh from two goals and 10 score involvements in the prelim, Richmond might have to tag the AFL’s best connector.

Not even viral meningitis can stop the ginger ninja, who ranks 2nd for disposals and No.1 for score involvements as a forward.

8. Rory Laird (Adelaide)

Quick, agile, fearless, great skills, what a defender.

The best small defender in footy racks it up as an offensive weapon and cannot be allowed to run free if Richmond is to win.

Fresh off a brilliant preliminary final.

9. Brad Crouch (Adelaide)

Hard as a cat’s head, with comparisons to Joel Selwood for toughness this week.

Like brother Matt superb in two finals (27 and 28 touches), finally living up to the massive hype. Will end up going past Matt.

10. Sam Jacobs (Adelaide)

Rucks with aplomb then controls the game around the ground. His ruck dominance in Round 6 didn’t convert into scores, but will back himself to be a Tank-buster again.

11. Toby Nankervis (Richmond)

So much more than a bash-and-crash ruckman, the boy from North Launceston huge in two finals so far.

Richmond can’t win if Sam Jacobs smacks him like in Round 6, so he is elevated to a lofty ranking here.
Jack Riewoldt has been quiet in the Tigers’ first two finals. Pic: Michael Klein

12. Jack Riewoldt (Richmond)

Another Tiger to grow in front of our eyes, poor body language and indifferent second efforts now replaced by devotion to the cause.

Simply must bring the ball to ground, given Adelaide’s 21 intercept marks in Round 6 killed the Tigers.

13. Taylor Walker (Adelaide)

The boy from Broken Hill might not be Wayne Carey with his aerial contests but the No.1 assists player in the comp will have to do as a stunning stat.

And he came up with the Crows deathstare...

14. David Astbury (Richmond)

Huge role on Grand Final day. Should take Tex with Rance playing deeper, but colours lowered early v GWS after best year of his career.

Nearly left for Brisbane and now has the Grand Final as his defensive stage. Tigers can’t win if he doesn’t win aerial battles.

15. Dion Prestia (Richmond)

They paid him big bucks for midfield numbers but we rank him this high because he is Richmond’s cooler, shutting down Josh Kelly last week.

Now must go to Sloane or Matt Crouch. Tigers can’t win if they both fire.

16. Jake Lever (Adelaide)

In likely his last game for Adelaide, can the AFL’s best intercept player control the skies like Brian Lake in his Norm Smith Medal winning performance?

Jacob Townsend likely to go to him in negating role.

17. Daniel Rioli (Richmond)

Cousin Cyril set the MCG alight in his first Grand Final then won Normie in 2015.

Can he continue that family tradition like Cyril and Maurice before him? Elite pressure plus four prelim goals but likely opponent Luke Brown a jet.

18. Dylan Grimes (Richmond)

Elevated in this list because of likely role on Betts, who he kept goalless despite avalanche in Round 6.

The deep-thinking hobby farmer and vigneron might have this game’s toughest match up.

19. Daniel Talia (Adelaide)

Certain to get Jack Riewoldt, and needs only to push him under the ball and disrupt his aerial presence to play his role.

The AFL’s most miserly defender kept Hawkins to a single goal last week.

20. Charlie Cameron (Adelaide)

Has to be in your Norm Smith contenders, capable of ripping this tame apart after five in the prelim. Not sure the Tigers have a match-up for him.
Charlie Cameron was everywhere against the Cats. Picture Sarah Reed

21. Kane Lambert (Richmond)

The former Preston factory worker has had a career year, kicking the prelim’s first goal and averaging 21 possessions and five tackles.

What a great state-league success story.

22. Nick Vlastuin (Richmond)

Richmond will try to free up elite interceptor Vlastuin, who mixes rugged aggression with solid marking. Can he help hold back the dam wall on Douglas or Otten?

23. Richard Douglas (Adelaide)

Underestimate at your peril, with this dangerous half forward from Broadford bobbing up with 20 possessions and two qualifying final goals.

A Grand Final haul wouldn’t surprise.

24. Luke Brown (Adelaide)

Puts his opponents to sleep every single time, not conceding multiple goals to an opponent since Round 8.

Sure to get Daniel Rioli, fresh off four goals. Can’t wait for this match-up to unfold.

25. Shane Edwards (Richmond)

An underrated year for Richmond’s energiser with two big finals.

Wins so much contested ball at half forward, second only to Dusty for score assists. Beloved inside the club.

26. Bachar Houli (Richmond)

Richmond’s offensive weapon from half back, as well as an inspiration off the field. Under-rated in the air, creative on the ground.

Two excellent finals averaging 20 touches and 440 metres gained.

27. Kyle Hartigan (Adelaide)

Kyle who? Actually, the bloke who stopped Patrick Dangerfield last week and the man who will get Dustin Martin forward.

Since coming back from a serious hammy, he torched Josh Kennedy, kept Jeremy Cameron to a goal and didn’t conceded a goal to Danger or Dan Menzel.

28. Rory Atkins (Adelaide)

Just part of the Adelaide machine, a permanent winger averaging 22 touches and giving plenty of drive.

29. Dan Butler (Richmond)

Far more than a pressure player, this lightning-fast surprise packet has kicked 29 goals for the year. Cashed in on pressure with late 2 prelim goals.

30. Josh Caddy (Richmond)

A potential game-breaker who has 21 goals, buckets of hardness and a strong aerial presence.

31. Paul Seedsman (Adelaide)

What a story, playing 4 games Round 19 and kicking five goals and adding yet more run to the Crows outfit. And the Pies didn’t want him ...
Josh Jenkins will be a threat on the ground and in the air. Picture: Getty Images

32. Josh Jenkins (Adelaide)

Just how do we rate this bloke? He is the ultimate polarising player, labelled by some as the junk-time king but still huge for their structure with 45.21 for the year.

Just one disposal to quarter time last week yet the Crows were six goals up. But if he plays deep will get Alex Rance and need to keep him accountable.

33. Brandon Ellis (Richmond)

Career-best year for the West Coburg product who has averaged 23 disposals and six intercept possessions after his place in the side was questioned in the pre-season.

34. Shaun Grigg (Richmond)

The most unlikely Grand Final ruckman you have ever seen. Plus a hard-at-it mid who kicks goals (14) and can tag to boot.

Traded for Andrew Collins, a masterful trade for the Tigers.

35. Nathan Broad (Richmond)

Hasn’t missed a game since Round 17 recall and has lost just four of 22 one-on-one contests, twice this year keeping Toby Greene goalless.

But what a role — shutting down either Tom Lynch or Eddie Betts. Adelaide will try to exploit this WAFL recruit.
Richmond's Nathan Broad is a quiet achiever. Pic: Michael Klein

36. David Mackay (Adelaide)

This former Oakleigh Charger is key part of the midfield mix, fairly nondescript but so valuable. Won’t be winning Normie but won’t let Don Pyke down either.

37. Riley Knight (Adelaide)

Adelaide don’t often tag but if they do he is the bloke who Pyke will call on.

Having gone to Adam Treloar and Joel Selwood already, he’s the guy to put out a midfield bushfire.

38. Jason Castagna (Richmond)

Typifies the Richmond resurgence with relentless pressure and goal-a-game attacking prowess.

He has his tail up after 18 touches and a goal against GWS.

39. Hugh Greenwood

A season-low six disposals last week for Greenwood, who plays the least amount of game time in the AFL.

But the former Perth Wildcat pays his way with elite pressure skills.

40. Kamdyn McIntosh (Richmond)

The Pinjarra kid has been solid rather than explosive with 26 possessions in two finals but is another hard-running Dimma role player.

41. Jake Kelly (Adelaide)

How the hell did the Pies let this guy fall through the cracks?

The son of Craig might get Caddy or Townsend after keeping Dan Menzel goalless and Toby Greene to a goal. Another bargain-basement success story.

42. Andy Otten (Adelaide)

The ultimate utility who has played forward defence and even ruck this year and holds his spot with McGovern’s hamstring.

Has kicked 20 goals in 18 games and plays his role in the triangle offence which has worked to such stunning effect.

43. Jack Graham (Richmond)

A tackling fiend (eight a game) who after being taken at pick 53 plays midfield and half forward and could play in a flag in his fifth premiership.

44. Jacob Townsend (Richmond)

The JJ Liston Medallist was looking for a job five weeks ago.

Now the former Giant has a remarkable 14 goals from 28 kicks and might got to Jake Lever to make a pest of himself in the air.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/jon-ralph-ranks-every-adelaide-and-richmond-player-in-the-afl-grand-final/news-story/8c1882d5694c26cf81ade42f73ede08a

[one-eyed]

Mega-preview: Grand Final, Adelaide v Richmond

afl.com.au
28 September 2017


SUMMARY

Richmond will likely have to hold Adelaide to less than 100 points to break its 37-year premiership drought. The Crows were undefeated in the 15 games they scored 100 or more points this year – they drew with Collingwood in round 19 – but won just three of nine games when held to less than triple figures. Richmond's challenge is formidable. Adelaide averaged a League-high 109.8 points a game during the home and away season and, with Taylor Walker, Eddie Betts, Josh Jenkins, Tom Lynch and Charlie Cameron, boasts the competition's most potent forward line. But the Tigers' defensive pressure has been outstanding this September and they will be banking on it carrying them to victory one more time. Whichever team wins, there will hardly be a dry eye in the MCG. The Tigers faithful's long wait has been well documented, while the Crows have had to overcome the tragic death of coach Phil Walsh in 2015 and the departures of stars Patrick Dangerfield, Phil Davis, Kurt Tippett and Jack Gunston.

WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday September 30, 2.30pm
 AEDT


WHAT HAPPENED THIS YEAR?

Round six: Adelaide 21.14 (140) d Richmond 10.4 (64) at Adelaide Oval

Both teams were undefeated entering this game and the Tigers took it up to the home team in the first term, kicking six goals to lead by nine points at quarter-time. However, the Crows then assumed total control, kicking 13 of the next 14 goals to set up an imposing 76-point win. Taylor Walker (five goals), Rory Sloane (33 possessions and three goals), Matt Crouch (38 possessions) and Rory Laird (34) were the stars for Adelaide.

LAST FIVE TIMES

R6, 2017, Adelaide 21.14 (140) d Richmond 10.4 (64) at Adelaide Oval
R3, 2016, Adelaide 19.14 (128) d Richmond 13.14 (92) at Etihad Stadium
R19, 2015, Adelaide 11.22 (88) d Richmond 8.4 (52) at Adelaide Oval
R21, 2014, Richmond 10.19 (79) d Adelaide 9.15 (69) at Adelaide Oval
R12, 2013, Richmond 16.14 (110) d Adelaide 10.12 (72) at the MCG

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Adelaide

1. The Crows are unlikely to assign a specific tag to Dustin Martin, backing their midfield group to take collective responsibility for him, especially around stoppages. Riley Knight is likely to run with Trent Cotchin.

2. Adelaide is one of competition's most deadly teams by foot and will look to move the ball quickly and directly into their forward 50, aiming to give their forward line stars as many one-on-one contests as possible.

3. If allowed to roam free, Tigers star Alex Rance is a lethal intercept and counter-attacking weapon. The Crows could assign a defensive forward to him, with Andy Otten a candidate if selected.

Richmond

1. The Tigers' finals wins over Geelong and GWS were built on three things: pressure, pressure and pressure. They'll need more of the same to beat the Crows. If the minor premiers are given time and space, their edge in class should prove decisive.

2. Rory Laird starred in the Crows' round six win over Richmond and last Friday night against Geelong had 32 disposals at 91 per cent efficiency. The 23-year-old is Adelaide's most potent defensive rebounder, so the Tigers could task Kane Lambert with limiting his influence.

3. Having developed an unfashionable – but highly effective – forward line around Jack Riewoldt and a mosquito fleet, Richmond won't want to bomb the ball long and high inside its forward 50. The Tigers will try to move the ball quickly into an open forward line, where its band of goalsneaks can run the Crows ragged.


THE SIX POINTS

1. In round six, the Crows outscored Richmond 16 goals to four after quarter-time to turn a nine-point deficit into a 76-point win. Adelaide smashed Richmond in disposals (461-334) and marks (125-58) that afternoon.

2. The Crows were the competition's highest-scoring side in the home and away season, averaging 109.8 points a game and scoring 100 points or more 15 times. The Tigers were the third-best defensive team, conceding only 76.5 points a game and just two opposition scores of 100 points or more – the fewest of any team.

3. The Crows have set up their finals wins this year in the first half, outscoring Greater Western Sydney and Geelong by a combined 19.14 to 6.13 in the opening two quarters, while Richmond has dominated in the second half, outscoring the same opponents by a combined 20.12 to 7.13.

4. Adelaide has won the teams' last three clashes after Richmond won four of their five contests from 2010-14. The teams are 5-5 in their 10 games at the MCG, but haven’t played each other there since round 12, 2013, when the Tigers won by 38 points.

5. Adelaide is playing its first Grand Final since 1998 and third overall, having won back-to-back premierships in 1997-98. Richmond is playing its first Grand Final since 1982 and is aiming for its 11 premiership and first since 1980.

6. Both teams have three players in the top 50 of the Schick AFL Player Ratings – Richmond: Dustin Martin (two), Cotchin (15) and Rance (26); and Adelaide: Rory Sloane (four), Eddie Betts (24) and Matt Crouch (38).

WHAT THE COACHES SAY

Don Pyke: "It'll be a different week, we'll embrace the week and we'll prepare as we always do to come ready to play and perform. As much as we're pleased with [winning the preliminary final], making the Grand Final is not what it's about. It's about winning a Grand Final and that's what we now set our sights on doing."

Damien Hardwick: "I've been waiting since round six to get this opportunity to come back and play them again. There's no doubt we go in as underdogs, that's the harsh reality of it. They're a fantastic side, they've put everyone to the sword, but we give ourselves a chance. If we play our best, we're capable of beating anyone."

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Toby Nankervis

The Tigers ruckman was smashed by Sam Jacobs in round six, with the Crows big man finishing with 26 possessions, 50 hit-outs, nine marks, eight inside 50s and one goal. Nankervis will be desperate to put up a better showing in the Grand Final and help swing the midfield battle his team's way.


PREDICTION: Adelaide by 22 points


http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-09-25/megapreview-grand-final-adelaide-v-richmond