Grimesy's presser today:
VIDEO:
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/2018-09-17/grimes-ahead-of-the-prelim--------------------------------
Having thumped Hawthorn in a qualifying final, Grimes said the Tigers were fresh after the week off although it could be argued the Magpies will have greater momentum, having edged Greater Western Sydney on Saturday night.
"You could probably argue that Collingwood are maintaining momentum and they are full of confidence and the short break is probably going to suit that side of the game. And then there is the train of thought that we will be well rested and ready for them on Friday night," Grimes said.
The Magpies and Tigers met twice this year, the latter prevailing by 46 points in round six (the Pies had led late in the third term) and by 28 in round 19, although the Pies were impacted by injuries in both. In round 19, they had lost Jeremy Howe (concussion) in the first term and Matthew Scharenberg (knee) in the last quarter, and suffered from poor ball use.
Both teams enjoy the contest, and thrive from pressuring opponents, with the Tigers ranked No.1 for percentage of scores from turnovers.
"Finals footy is intense, it's high pressure, it's contested ball. I think teams that have practiced that throughout the year are probably held in better stead throughout finals game because it's not a shock to the system," Grimes said.
"It's going to be a real arm-wrestle because their strengths in that area are similar to ours. I really feel it's going to be a challenge for us to bring the pressure as much as they are to us."
The Tigers have held opponents to only 57.8 points per game in finals in recent years but the Magpies have a variety of potential goal-kickers, including match-winner Jordan de Goey.
Grimes said Alex Rance, arguably the best defender in the league, would have the job of curtailing the dynamic Pie, who is battling a sore ankle.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/mystery-over-dustin-martin-injury-but-tigers-insist-he-will-face-magpies-20180917-p5046q.html
