THE 4 CERTAINTIES FOR SYDNEY VERSUS RICHMONDBy Hugh Fitzpatrick and Andrew Slevison
SEN
27 May 2022Labelling something a ‘certainty’ in any sport is fraught with danger.
But we’ll attempt to find some anyway.
Here is what we consider certainties for Friday night’s clash between Sydney and Richmond:
Mills to have 20+ disposalsCallum Mills will have 20 or more disposals on Friday night.
Sydney will be desperate to get back on the winners' list having lost three of their last four games, and being their co-captain, Mills will be the one leading from the front.
He is averaging 26.5 disposals across 10 games this season and should continue that trend here.
Having accumulated 20+ possessions in his last three appearances against Richmond, Mills should consider it easy pickings again.
Lloyd to have 15 or more kicksJake Lloyd will accumulate 15 or more kicks with ease on Friday night.
The 28-year-old is a known ball gatherer, his 2022 season has seen him average 24.3 disposals, 16.9 of them being kicks at a disposal efficiency of 81.7%.
In his last four matches against the Tigers, Lloyd has accumulated more than 15 kicks, averaging a massive 22.75 in that time.
Such is his ability to cut up the opposition with his kick, he should get plenty of looks at it, especially as he often takes a lot of kick-ins which helps this prediction.
Vlastuin to have 15+ disposals, 4+ marks, 3+ rebound 50sNick Vlastuin has been in good form since returning from injury in Round 5.
The defender is averaging 23 disposals, 8.4 marks and 6.2 rebound 50s across five matches in 2022, and is yet to drop under 20 touches in a game.
In his last three against the Swans he has averaged 19 disposals, eight marks and 3.6 rebound 50s.
So on Friday night at the SCG, in the form that he’s in, Vlastuin should hit the 15-disposal, four-mark and three-rebound 50 threshold.
Nankervis to win hit-out battle and pick up 12+ disposalsFormer Swan Toby Nankervis has been one of Richmond’s most consistent players this season, particularly of late.
In three of his last five outings, the co-captain has reached the 20-disposal mark on three occasions, while winning the hit-out battle in his last four straight.
With Tom Hickey out of Sydney’s side, it leaves Pete Ladhams and Sam Reid to do the ruck work, and neither are renowned for being overly prolific hit-out winners.
In a crunch clash, expect Nankervis to continue his recent form and take care of business in the ruck.
He should win the hit-out battle and we can also add at least 12 disposals into the mix.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2022/05/27/the-4-certainties-for-sydney-versus-richmond/
