Match preview: Greater Western Sydney v RichmondAdam Curley
afl.com.au
Jul 10, 2018SUMMARYThe Giants' disappointing loss to West Coast snapped a four-game winning streak and saw them drop the four places they climbed last week, sending them back to 10th on the ladder. They now welcome the rampaging Tigers to Spotless Stadium on Saturday night, with the premiers a game and percentage clear in top spot. Richmond's only three losses this season have come on the road, giving the home side some hope, but its form has been exceptional over the past three weeks. The Giants kicked themselves out of the contest against the Eagles while their onballers were also well beaten, so the likes of Stephen Coniglio, Callan Ward, Josh Kelly and Dylan Shiel will be keen to take a big scalp in the Tigers, who are ranked 17th for clearances this season. With Kane Lambert, Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin and Shane Edwards all in brilliant touch, the midfield battle will be one to watch.
WHERE AND WHEN: Spotless Stadium, Saturday, July 14, 7.20pm AEST
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
2PF, 2017, Richmond 15.13 (103) d Giants 9.13 (67) at the MCG
R18, 2017, Richmond 9.10 (64) d Giants 6.9 (45) at the MCG
R9, 2017, Giants 11.12 (78) d Richmond 10.15 (75) at Spotless Stadium
R19, 2016, Giants 17.9 (111) d Richmond 3.5 (23) at UNSW Canberra Oval
R14, 2015, Richmond 10.18 (78) d Giants 10.9 (69) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS1. When the teams last played in the 2017 second preliminary final the Giants had 59 more disposals, took 24 more marks, and won the inside 50 and clearance tallies but the Tigers still won the match. Daniel Rioli kicked a career-high four goals for the Tigers.
2. Richmond continues to be one of the best defensive teams this season, ranked second for points conceded and giving up an average score of just 70 points per game.
3. GWS and Richmond will meet for the 10th time and the Tigers hold a clear advantage winning seven games to two, including two by more than 100 points.
4. One possible advantage for GWS could be in contested possessions. It is ranked third averaging 151.9 per game, while the Tigers are seventh with an average of 148.3.
5. One of the few areas Richmond has struggled this season is clearances ranked 17th with an average of 33.8; in contrast the Giants have been impressive ranked second with 39.5 per game.
6. Richmond star Shane Edwards was ranked second in the League in round 16 with a Schick AFL Player Rating of 25.9 against Adelaide, and he's risen to 24th in the competition.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR…Young forward Harry Himmelberg will have a likely match-up with Richmond star Alex Rance, and if he can limit the Tiger's influence, and hit the scoreboard, he could be a match-winner for the home side.
PREDICTION: Richmond by 15 pointshttp://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-07-09/match-preview-greater-western-sydney-v-richmond
