Preview Round 20: Collingwood v Richmond

AFL

SUMMARY

Round 20 COLLINGWOOD v RICHMOND Time, Place, TV: Friday August 5, 7:50pm MCG 7mate / Fox Footy 7:30pm Weather: Min 5 Max 14 Chance of rain 5%: <1mm Wind: SSE 9kph Betting: Collingwood $1.48 Richmond $2.65

It's been another horror week under the spotlight for Richmond after an 88-point loss to Greater Western Sydney. The Tigers were humiliated in the first quarter, conceding eight goals to none, and finished with three themselves for the game. They appear to be lacking in spirit, and youth in the team is no excuse for an absence of effort. Collingwood is a daunting task in these circumstances after four wins in six games and coming off a 19-point victory over West Coast. The Magpies' midfield is shining, and youngsters James Aish and Rising Star nominee Darcy Moore are contributing well. Finals are out of the question for the Pies, but unlike their opponents this week they are playing with real purpose. Under the Friday night lights, Richmond will at least need to match their opponents' effort.

LAST FIVE TIMES

1. R2, 2016, Collingwood 13.9 (87) d Richmond 12.14 (86) at the MCG
2. R21, 2015, Richmond 23.9 (147) d Collingwood 7.14 (56) at the MCG
3. R7, 2015, Richmond 16.9 (105) d Collingwood 15.10 (100) at the MCG
4. R4, 2014, Collingwood 16.14 (110) d Richmond 10.12 (72) at the MCG
5. R4, 2013, Collingwood 16.17 (113) d Richmond 11.13 (79) at the MCG
   

THE SIX POINTS

1. Collingwood snatched a thrilling one-point win in round two, with ruckman Brodie Grundy snapping the match-winner with only seconds remaining. Alex Fasolo kicked a career-high six goals. 
2. One advantage for the Tigers could be marks inside 50 (ranked fourth with 13.4 a game) The Magpies are ranked equal 14th with 10.8 a game.
3. The Tigers have slipped to 17th for inside 50s this season, averaging only 46.8 a game. They've also fallen to 15th in scoring with 80 points a game.
4. Richmond hasn't defeated Collingwood on a Friday night since 2007. It has won two of its last three against the Magpies, following a seven-game losing streak.  
5. Richmond is the worst tackling side in 2016 averaging only 62.8 a game. Collingwood has been impressive ranked second at 79.1 a game.
6. Eleven of Richmond's top 13 players in the Schick AFL Player Ratings are falling, with star defender Alex Rance and captain Trent Cotchin the only players in that group moving up.

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …Damien Hardwick.
The Richmond coach has been backed-in again this week by CEO Brendon Gale, but he is only ever one big loss away from more heavy scrutiny. Does the Tigers' board have the strength to stomach repeated heavy losses from a team now full of youth? Or does Hardwick need to stem the bleeding after 70 and 88-point losses? It is unfair to expect polished performances now from this Richmond team, but effort should be compulsory. If it is not there this week, Hardwick will have questions to answer internally.

PREDICTION: Collingwood by 38 points.