Tigers bracing for fired-up DemonsTrent Masenhelder
afl.com.au
Apr 22, 2018 8:26PMRICHMOND is bracing for Melbourne to come out breathing fire in Tuesday night's Anzac Day Eve blockbuster at the MCG.
A day after the Tigers chalked up their third victory of the season in round four, the Demons were humiliated by Hawthorn in a match many thought they would win.
Melbourne conceded 15 goals to one after quarter-time and failed to register a major in the second and third quarters in a demoralising 67-point defeat that has seen them under the blowtorch since.
Grimes knows the Demons will be determined to restore their pride.
"Melbourne has played good footy over the past two weeks, they were right in the game at half-time of the Hawthorn match," Grimes said.
"We know that they're a contested-ball beast and they win the ball in their midfield and get it going forward.
"They certainly pose a huge challenge for us. They're going to come out absolutely firing.
"The challenge for us is to bring the heat early and try and bring our brand, which is the Richmond pressure and contested ball. Hopefully that holds up under their pressure."
Grimes said Melbourne's forward line poses a serious threat to Richmond's ultra-consistent defence.
Jesse Hogan has 10 goals to his name for Melbourne in 2018, Jeff Garlett has eight and Den Kent has six in just two games.
"Melbourne's offence is certainly their weapon, so too is their contested ball," Grimes explained.
"We know that if we’re not one hundred per cent on defensively and team defensively, not just the backs seven, we’re going to have a really, tough challenging game trying to score from our back half, which isn’t how we like to play."
Grimes is expecting to spend some time on the dangerous Garlett.
"He has been in electric form, he’s been dynamic. The thing about 'Jeffy' is with three or four opportunities a game he can kick that many goals," said Grimes.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-04-22/tigers-bracing-for-firedup-demons
