3 minute read

Racing and Sports will provide analysis of many games in the 2020 AFL Season.

We'll endeavour to run through the form, incorporate appropriate stats and also supply a betting prediction which won't always just be who will win.

PORT ADELAIDE V RICHMOND

Saturday 8 August @ Adelaide Oval

Having played Monday and Tuesday respectively, we see another Adelaide Oval clash between these two where some weird things have happened in the past.

Trent Cotchin in a final won the toss and kicked into the breeze and by quarter time it was a slaughter to Port.

Then last year, with a team devoid of so many of their best through injury and other means (omission or suspension), Richmond produced a win to savour and what would become a signature for them through the season.

No Riewoldt, Rance, Martin and Cotchin and courtesy of a Tom Lynch special with six of the best, they ran over the top of Port who led by near three goals at stages in the second quarter and were even up late in the game despite losing that lead.

Port enter this off a solid effort against the Bulldogs Monday night. It was a tight tussle all the way with two or three goals either way the maximum that separated them.

But once the Power put on the power, they held the margin to the line despite constant forays.

One thing is for certain. Were it not for Charlie Dixon clunking a few, splitting packs and kicking long range goals, they may not have won. Had the Dogs had him at their end of the ground I think we know what happens.

His return to his best form this season has to have been a strong reason for Port's ascent. A focal point is often the best in many things in life.

But in footy, while not everything, it is most things. He and Josh Kennedy this year look the two big men who can alter the shape of a game.

They face the Tigers who were back to near their best in the face of a horrible kicking effort by the Brisbane Lions. Bad kicking is bad footy as the saying goes. Brisbane tried to outdo that with 4.17.

But that is somewhat to decry that Richmond played very well. Their structure out back with Vlastuin back alongside Grimes helps.

The forwards looked a bit more cohesive and as predicted, when Dustin Martin has a real dip for four quarters, then it is party time. Few get better silver service in Buckingham Palace than when Martin is kicking into forward 50.

The good news was despite the size of the victory, some lower lights in terms of name got involved. Baker, Bolton, Short and somewhat of a return to form from Sydney Stack allowed the big names to become more impact participants. They are dangerous when that happens.

The competition will be starting to worry again. While the MCG will be out of action, the Tigers system gets them into good places in a game. West Coast may be nominal Flag Favs right now only because there is some chance the GF will be in Perth. They would start the elect in those circumstances.

However if in any other city and against any other rival, Richmond would be in the red.

This is Port's moment to shine. A win and they become definitive contenders. A loss and they are just considered a chance.

But you just can't tip against Richmond until you have to.

Match Selection: Richmond by 11 points

Suggested Bets: Richmond @ $1.85