Port Adelaide vs Richmond picks and predictionsThe Tigers are testing out some new players while Port are looking to win big for some finals momentum.
Liam McAllion
CodeBet
August 26, 2023 WHAT WE’RE LOOKING AT* Port Adelaide have won 19 of their last 20 home matches during the day.
* Richmond has failed to cover the line in their last six games.
* Richmond have lost their last four matches against top eight sides by 25+ points.
THE MATCH-UPPort looked to be slipping out of the top four a month ago, but have had some strong players return from injury and have won comfortably in their last two matches, looking to take some momentum into finals.
Richmond’s only win in their last four was against bottom of the league North and are going into this matchup without Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt due to retirement, amongst other changes.
The Tigers come into this matchup with two debutants, multiple VFL players and no key forwards, while the Power still have a strong defence led by Aliir Aliir who will keep this low scoring.
Richmond having multiple premiership defenders and Port have players returning, which means this game could go under the total points line, as have five of the last six meetings.
PORT’S BULLISH ATTACKConnor Rozee has arguably become the Power’s most pivotal player, as his consistency has kept them in the top four, being strong in all facets of the game.
Usually a favourite for 25+ disposals and a goal, Rozee hasn’t kicked a goal in the last four games, but with a one sided match predicted, the ball should be in Port’s forward half a lot and we should see the young midfielders speed and long kicking ability on display for a snag once again.
Sam Powell-Pepper has settled in perfectly to his permanent forward role, kicking a career high 27 goals this year and 2+ in seven matches.
The human wrecking ball seems to squash any opponent that come near him with a signature stiff arm and will be able to use his speed to dance around a tall Richmond defence.
RELIABLE TIGERSThe old bear in the square tactic isn’t used often in modern footy, but naming Dustin Martin at full forward seems like that is the plan for the Tigers.
Building into the season nicely, the champion hasn’t lost it with 31 disposals and three goals last week and 11 goals in his last five games. Dusty will want to finish the season strongly and will be eyeing off the goals from all angles here.
Daniel Rioli can hold his head high in a tough season for Richmond, backing up a strong year off half back last season to average 21 disposals in 2023 and be their driving force in attack.
The dashing half back should see plenty of the ball in defence through dominance in midfield from the Power and with his ability to take intercepts and kick outs, he should build past the 20 disposal mark once again.
THE PICKWith multiple debutants, VFL players and no natural key forwards, this is a tough ask for the Tigers who are up against a strong top four Port Adelaide team.
Port won this matchup earlier in the season and Richmond have failed to cover the line in their last six matches.
The young, star filled midfield of the Power will take over here, helping to boost their confidence before a huge finals campaign.
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