How the eight finalists are shaping up in crazy yearBy Jon Pierik, Anthony Colangelo and Peter Ryan
The Age
September 27, 2020 RichmondThe injury list: The focus is on Tom Lynch, who hurt his hamstring in round 17. Dion Prestia (ankle) continues to push for his first match since round five. Shai Bolton (calf) faces a fitness test.
Room for improvement: Hard to find a major weakness. This may be more about off-field issues, for Damien Hardwick has said his club had tarnished its reputation through a series of well-documented issues. On the field, the respect has never been greater, and having won eight of their past nine matches, it's little wonder the defending champions are favoured by bookies to grab back-to-back flags. A scary thought is that they can improve should Prestia return.
Watch out for: It's hard to go past Dustin Martin. In a season when some of the club's big names have been in and out of the side, Martin has been a constant. He warmed up for the finals with 28 disposals, 16 contested possessions, six inside 50s, six score involvements and almost 500m gained against Adelaide. The dual Norm Smith medallist loves the big stage, and there is little to suggest he doesn't have another six-goal performance in him, as he did against the Lions in last year's qualifying final.
Flag chances: The Tigers are aiming for 16 straight wins over the Lions - and there is no reason not to think they won't prevail in the qualifying final. Three premierships in four years would make this officially a golden era. They are the league's best territory team and have flourished at the Gabba this year. They have two match-winning key forwards, a robust midfield, an organised defence and a game plan built on pressure. The only concern is if ruckman Toby Nankervis gets hurt.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-finals-2020-how-the-eight-finalists-are-shaping-up-in-crazy-year-20200924-p55yor.html
