Preview Round 2: Collingwood v Richmond

AFL

SUMMARY

Round 2 COLLINGWOOD v RICHMOND Friday April 1, 7:50pm MCG 7mate 7:30pm Fox Footy 7:30pm Weather Min 13 Max 25 Chance of rain 70%: < 1mm Wind: NNW 32kph Betting Collingwood $2.30 Richmond $1.62

Little more than a week ago this April Fools' Day clash loomed as one of the showpiece games in the early part of the season. It's still a huge Friday night clash, however some of the gloss has been taken off because of the unexpectedly poor round-one showings and personnel issues of both clubs, but particularly the Pies, who will need a major form reversal to notch their first win of the season. The Tigers have a golden opportunity to post their first hat-trick of wins over Collingwood since 2001-02, and consign the Pies to an 0-2 record for the first time since 2005.

LAST FIVE TIMES

1. R21, 2015, Richmond 23.9 (147) d Collingwood 7.14 (56) at the MCG
2. R7, 2015, Richmond 16.9 (105) d Collingwood 15.10 (100) at the MCG
3. R4, 2014, Collingwood 16.14 (110) d Richmond 10.12 (72) at the MCG
4. R4, 2013, Collingwood 16.17 (113) d Richmond 11.13 (79) at the MCG
5. R2, 2012, Collingwood 12.13 (85) d Richmond 8.16 (64) at the MCG

THE SIX POINTS

1. In round 21 last year Richmond belted Collingwood by 91 points – its biggest win over the Pies since 1976 – despite having nine fewer inside 50s. Ty Vickery bagged a career-high six goals.
2. In round one the Magpies were smashed all over the field: 334-429 disposals, 69-81 marks, 18-43 scoring shots and 45-76 inside 50s.
3. Despite defeating Carlton in round one, the Tigers finished with fewer disposals, took 26 fewer marks, had one fewer scoring shot and 11 fewer inside 50s.
4. Richmond defeated Collingwood twice last year, ending a seven-game losing streak against the Magpies that stretched back to 2008.
5. The two clubs will clash for the 204th time, with the Magpies holding a clear advantage with 116 wins to 86. (There has been one draw.) 
6. Kane Lambert's prospects continue to rise. In his past two games, the Tigers midfielder has risen in the Schick AFL Player Ratings from No. 489 overall to No.443.

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …Travis Cloke. The Magpie spearhead had scant opportunity to have an impact in attack last week due to the Swans' absolute dominance, and out of sheer desperation was given a rare run in the ruck after half-time in an effort to get him involved. The 234-gamer doesn't need to kick a bag of goals, but he needs to provide a strong target and show leadership for young cohorts Darcy Moore and Corey Gault.

PREDICTION: Richmond by 12 points