AFL rivalries: Alive or dead? We run the rule over these clashes
Which rivalries are going strong and which are a relic of the past.By Tom Naghten
Sporting news
16th April 2020 Carlton v RichmondTwo of the competition's biggest clubs meeting at the MCG to open the season is always going to attract interest, but there's plenty of history between these two.
These clubs have featured in six grand finals, though very few of the recent season-openershave been a particularly engaging contest, leading some to question the future of the fixture.
Head-to-head record: Despite recent history, the Blues lead 125-95. with two draws.
High point of the rivalry: The points were split in the back-to-back grand final meetings in 1972 (50 goals kicked for the match) and 1973.
Alive or dead?: This has looked more like a big brother-little brother situation in recent times, but hopefully puberty will strike soon to make things interesting. We're labelling this rivalry dormant,for now.
Collingwood v RichmondSometimes you get along with your next door neighboursand sometimes you cant stand the sightof each other.
When it comes to two of the biggest clubs in the land, it's the latter.
Fueled by five grand final meetings in 10 years in the early part of the 20th century, the rivalry exploded into life with an all-outrecruiting war through the '70s and '80s.
Head-to-head record: Collingwood hold a handy 119-91 lead, while they've played out one draw.
High point of the rivalry: The recruiting war between the clubs left the Tigers in financial ruin which hamstrung them for decades. More recently, the 2018 preliminary final, featuring a Mason Cox cameo for the ages, was as big a game as we've seen for years.
Alive or dead?: Very much alive for as long as the likes of Eddie McGuire take every contract rumour as a personal attack.
Essendon v RichmondFor two of Melbourne's 'big four' clubs, the relationship between them is fairly amicable and by far the least hostileof any of the combinations.
They've met in three grand final in their history, the last being in 1943.
Head-to-head record: The Dons have bragging rights with a104-95-4 record.
High point of the rivalry: The 2006 and 2007 Dreamtime at the 'G clashes were filled with late drama. That's about as exciting as it gets in recent times.
Alive or dead?: 'Dreamtime at the 'G' is a must-watch feature on the footy calendar, but in terms of rivalry, we're not buying this one.
https://www.sportingnews.com/au/afl/list/afl-rivalries-local-derbies/19399r5j2i00m1qt7zqwe78bza/13
