Why Richmond are savouring the long route to AFL grand finalShayne Hope
7news
4 October 2020 10:57 amRichmond captain Trent Cotchin believes not having the week off during this year’s AFL finals series could actually work in his side’s favour as it chases a third premiership in four years.
History says it will be tough, with 15 of 20 premiers under the current finals system being teams that won straight passage to a preliminary final with a victory in week one.
The Tigers took that direct route on the way to flags in 2017 and 2019.
But their loss to Brisbane means they’ll have to go the long way around this time, starting with a semi-final against St Kilda on Friday night.
“The reality is we need to perform well against the Saints, otherwise the rest doesn’t really matter,” Cotchin said.
“But living in hub life, getting back into routine today (Sunday) and building into Friday night is probably a good opportunity.
“I know that our situation up here (in Queensland) in the sunshine is better than what it seems to be in Melbourne.
“But sitting around doing not a lot over a few days can also be a challenge as well, so we’re excited about Friday night against the Saints.”
As the designated home team, Richmond were granted their wish to play the semi-final at Metricon Stadium.
They have won all six of their matches at the Gold Coast venue this season and haven’t lost there in six years.
“At the end of the day, it’s closer to where we are (based) right now,” Cotchin said.
“We’ve played quite a few games there this year, but I haven’t really had a conversation about why or how (we chose that ground).
https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/extended-afl-finals-route-to-suit-tigers-c-1362686
