3 minute read
Racing and Sports will provide analysis of many games in the 2021 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.
RICHMOND V BRISBANE
Friday 16 July @ Metricon Stadium
You don't find many 12th v 4th battles as captivating as Friday night's fare. It was to be played in Melbourne for Jack Riewoldt's landmark but it's now up at the Goldy so how will that impact?
The champs are on the ropes. They are back pedalling, dodging and weaving and taking blows. The standing eight count is only one loss away.
They should be at home against a rival who until recently they have owned with that team losing one of their most critical lynchpins but things change fast.
However all things considered this is it for Richmond. Logically, logistically and numerically they can still make it if they stub their toe. But you'd not want to be in their shoes if they do.
The way the season has gone, you could easily see another turnover of the table. The last month has been ordinary at best. Troublingly it has been via differing methods.
A late run of goals cost them in Perth, kicking 2.10 against the Saints, the shock of the Suns loss when the coach said this was their season and then the last quarter capitulation to the Pies.
After all that, they sit a win out of 8th spot with a better percentage than the holders of that position. It is recoverable if they have the will.
Everyone expects they can flick a switch and turn it on. But surely there was a time for that at least two weeks ago. Injuries have hurt – that cannot be denied at all.
They've missed Prestia, Houli, Vlastuin and Edwards at times just because it affords Martin and Cotchin less pressure and more opportunities to do their own thing.
They still have the cattle if most return but is there the will satiated by incredible success and rightful adulation? Human traits understand that will occur.
Tom Lynch has returned in fine fashion. They'll be disappointed they haven't taken advantage of that. Bolton is an outstanding player but can he be a midfielder and a crumbing forward in the same team?
What they do have is an opponent who themselves now have some question marks. One loss isn't so much the concern.
It was the way it happened and what occurred within it that causes sleepless nights for Chris Fagan.
They got hunted and punted against the Saints. Roughed up, tackled harder, pushed and shoved around and they didn't handle it well.
The margin was close well into the third quarter but then St Kilda piled on the points. That will hurt and may be costly.
Even more costly was the loss of Eric Hipwood to a shocking ACL. While he isn't Lance Franklin in his pomp, he structured up so well with Daniher in the team. It also allowed Joe to take the forward ruck work to leave him an option forward too.
Given the amount of times Hipwood's been targeted, it means Daniher has a potentially different role now. It's a lot harder. He and Cameron can do that but can they do that over an extended period.
Fagan must come up with a new plan and first time out without their CHF, how will that work? You would not put it past Richmond to have a plan down back that makes it hard.
It's such a quandary that it should be flip of the coin odds. On that score have to take a stab at the Tigers one last time before the season is over. They just have to play basic, ground gain, roll in waves football which has been their MO.
Match Selection: Richmond by 5 points
Suggested Bets: Richmond @ $3.10
