Match Preview: Richmond v St Kilda
6:54:15 PM Tue 4 April, 2006
Matt Burgan
Exclusive to afl.com.au
WHERE & WHEN: Telstra Dome, Friday - 19:40 AEST
TV & RADIO: Channel Nine - Melbourne (8.30pm), Adelaide (8.30pm), Perth (8.30pm), Sydney (11.15pm), Brisbane (11.15pm). Radio - ABC, 3AW, Triple M, NIRS
OUR COVERAGE: Live scores, stats & audio, Game Day News Desk, match replay (24 hour delay)
HEAD TO HEAD: Played 165 - Richmond 102, St Kilda 61, 2 Draws
LAST TIME: St Kilda 16.10 (106) bt Richmond 5.7 (37) at the MCG, round 16, 2005.
THE MEDICAL ROOM: Richmond ruck duo Greg Stafford (calf) and Trent Knobel (leg) are both available to return this Friday night, while youngster Kelvin Moore (hip) will still be on the sidelines. And despite an incredible comeback by Nathan Brown last weekend - after he severely broke his leg in round 10 last year - he will be monitored. For the Saints, key tall Justin Koschitzke (patella tendonitis) remains in rehab, while the news on the hamstrung Clarke brothers is improving. Xavier is available for selection, while Raphael must face a fitness test in order to play. Leigh Fisher, who has been riddled with injuries in recent times, is now available.
THE STORY SO FAR: Although Richmond exited the NAB Cup in the first round, the Tigers managed to win two matches during the pre-season period, creating optimism heading into the first round. Yet after last Friday night - and a 115-point loss to the Western Bulldogs - the wind was knocked out of the sails and the Tigers were left reeling. Richmond will now be attempting everything in its power to bounce back against the Saints. Despite being regarded as one of the premiership favourites in 2005, St Kilda has yet to win a match in 2006, as it lost all four NAB Cup/Challenge matches, while it went down to West Coast at Subiaco in the opening match of the premiership season last Thursday. For a team so highly regarded, it must claim the four points against the Tigers.
THE WHITEBOARD: The ruck stocks were depleted somewhat last week, as the Tigers were without Stafford and Knobel, while the Saints missed Koschitzke's all-round ability. On Friday night, the majority of the ruck work will see Richmond's Troy Simmonds pitted against St Kilda's Cain Ackland. Ackland will be desperate to make amends this round, after his performance came under scrutiny against West Coast. Ackland's frustrations from that match saw him boil over at one point, when the television cameras caught him pushing teammate Jason Blake during a break in the match, much to the surprise of many. Matthew Richardson will be crucial for the Tigers and is likely to have the courageous Max Hudghton as his opponent. At the other end, Joel Bowden could be given the unenviable task of minding the brilliant Nick Riewoldt, although the dual Tiger best-and-fairest winner won't be deterred - and has more than enough ability - for the challenge. Although Richmond has some fine midfielders, St Kilda appears to have more options in the middle, which should give it the edge.
THE VERDICT: Although St Kilda has not recorded a victory of any sorts in 2006, the Saints are still a class act. It will enter this match as firm favourites - particularly after Richmond's efforts last round - while recent history says St Kilda has a clear advantage over the Tigers. Richmond has not defeated the Saints since round four, 2003. St Kilda has more options across the board, especially in the midfield and up forward and it should capitalise significantly, taking full advantage of the yellow and black. Although Richmond will have plenty of fire in the belly this weekend, it still won't be enough to overcome a superior St Kilda outfit. St Kilda by 37 points.
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