Forward Scout: Richmond v Hawthorn
Thu 12 July, 2007
By Greg Lange
richmondfc.com.au
Lessons from last weekThis week we have been addressing the ball-movement patterns we want to try to implement, as we could not have turned the ball over any more times in the first quarter last week. Also, we have been looking at the quick starts against us. Last week the Kangaroos had three goals before we got going.
Hawks’ forward lineJarryd Roughead and Lance Franklin, in particular, are pretty hard guys to match up on, but our backline players have been putting a lot of time into how they are going to manage them. However, the Hawks will probably be missing a few of their mainstays in Mark Williams, Tim Boyle and Ben Dixon.
Does that make them vulnerable?Everyone is vulnerable at times, but the Hawks have a very strong structure they like to stick to. It will be more about how the ball is going to get in there, as they have a good understanding with each other. That is what we will be concentrating on.
Will this game be a “lung buster”?We like to pride ourselves on how we can run, and I would rate Hawthorn as the No.1 hardest-running side in the competition. So yes, I think we are going to be in for a game with a lot of kilometres being covered on the MCG.
Can we match it with the Hawks’ midfielders?Absolutely. We feel as though our run has been there for most games. Obviously, it was not there last week, but we think our fitness is not a problem. This weekend will certainly test our guys out, but I am confident they are up to the task.
Our forward line?Considering our lack of wins, which has been disappointing, I have rated our performance throughout the year as reasonably solid. Obviously, I’d like to see a few areas improve, but as a rule I have been happy with the way they have been performing. Their conversion has probably dropped away over the past few weeks but, again, it has generally been solid.
How does the Hawks’ defence operate?They are not shy to make changes as soon as they see the game shifting. Against Sydney a week ago they were prepared to go head-to-head; they could not quite get over the line, but they certainly learned a lot from that contest. It was pretty much head-to-head against Collingwood as well, I think. There is no doubt they are more than prepared to switch game plans should it be required.
Final thoughtsThe Hawks will be nice and wound up for the match after copping a bit of a touch-up from the Crows last weekend. However, we have put most of our energy into the form they had pre-Adelaide. I think it will come down to who can run harder.
Full article at:
http://richmondfc.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/6301/Default.aspx?newsId=47125
