In the latest edition of Opposition Watch, Swans Media looks at the Richmond camp ahead of the reigning premiers’ clash with the Swans on Sunday at the Gabba.
Recent form
It seemed the Tigers hadn’t quite hit their straps following the resumption of the season. A dour draw against the Magpies was followed by two comprehensive defeats to St Kilda and Hawthorn. But any doubts about the Tigers in 2020 were quashed as they returned to form with a dominant display against the Demons in Round 5 which will see them enter hub life with confidence.
Ins and outs
The Tigers win against the Demons came at a significant cost on the injury front.
Reigning best and fairest winner Dion Prestia will miss an extended period with an ankle injury, while captain Trent Cotchin tweaked a hamstring that will see him miss Sunday’s match. The Tigers also lost ruckman and former Swan Toby Nankervis with an ankle injury.
Despite having surgery during the week on an injured finger, spearhead Tom Lynch travelled to the Queensland hub and has been named in the extended squad. Coach Damien indicated in his weekly press conference that Lynch was a probable starter for Sunday’s match after training well.
Bachar Houli and Shane Edwards will not play against the Swans, as they remain in Melbourne for family reasons.
With at least five players unavailable from last week’s side, the Tigers have included nine new players as part of their extended squad for Sunday’s match.
Ruck duo Ivan Soldo and Callum Coleman-Jones have both been named for a potential recall in place of Nankervis.
Jack Ross and Shai Bolton, who were both omitted from Richmond's Round 5 side, are in line to make their senior returns, while Marlion Pickett and Jack Graham are also in the mix having been omitted the week prior.
Big-bodied midfielder Riley Collier-Dawkins has been named and could make his debut. The 20-year-old was Richmond’s first pick (No. 20) in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft.
Half-back Derek Eggmolesse-Smith could return, and young defender Ryan Garthwaite has also been included for potentially his first AFL game since Round 13, 2019.
Key match-up
It’s hard to look past the name Dustin Martin on the Tigers team sheet. The Brownlow medallist will be without midfield mates Cotchin and Prestia, but his influence could well decide the game.
Last time the teams met, Martin was unstoppable gathering 25 disposals and booting three goals.
He is dangerous in the middle of the ground, but even more so when he drifts forward. That should see his matchup change during the game, from perhaps George Hewitt in the midfield, to the likes of Dane Rampe or Callum Mills when forward. Whoever it is that gets the job on Martin will have their work cut out for them.
Last time they met
It was all Richmond last time the teams met in Round 5, 2019 at Marvel Stadium.
After a tight opening term, the Tigers blew the game open with a six goal to two second quarter to set up a 33-point half time margin.
The Swans were left with too much to do late and despite a strong final quarter, went down by 22 points. Dustin Martin was dominant in a best on ground effort.
What they said
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick on last week’s win…
“We thought it looked more Richmond like in the way we played. We were disappointed with the Hawthorn game in particular, and the St Kilda game in various stages also. We’ve got some work to do in a couple of areas, but I thought for the vast majority we looked quite good, and we looked great in long patches which is important moving forward.
