Collingwood v Richmond
MCG 7mate / Fox Sports3 3.00pm Weather: Min 8 Max 19 Chance of rain 5%: < 1mm Wind: S 12kph Betting: Collingwood $1.67 Richmond $2.20 |
That old school footy feeling, that’s what occurs when Richmond play Collingwood at the MCG. It’s well known that the Tigers and Magpies have the most passionate, loud and downright football mad fans in the AFL, so when they clash there’s always an added component to the game. This Sunday at the MCG the two will get together for the first time in 2015 in what has become a crucial game, especially for the Tigers. Richmond are in trouble, let’s not beat around the bush here, they sit with a 2-4 win loss record after 6 games and their draw hasn’t been extremely hard. Coming off finals last season the Tigers were expected to push for a spot in the 8 again this year but just like 2014 they have started the season slowly. Collingwood on the other hand started the season better then most expected, and sit in a lofty third place on the ladder with a 4-2 win loss record. Simply put Richmond need to win this game or face a mounting backlash from their members, supporters and the football media.
PREVIOUS FORM
Collingwood started this season with a bang, winning 4 of their first 5 games to have them near the top of the ladder. Wins over Brisbane, St Kilda, Essendon and Carlton were all emphatic and it looked as if this Magpies outfit was on the rise once again. Then came the match versus Geelong last Friday night. The signs weren’t good early on, Geelong were desperate, they needed a win to keep them on track for the finals and Collingwood just didn’t look to have that same intensity that they had weeks before. The Cats jumped out to a 52 point lead at half time and from there the result was a foregone conclusion. The Pies fought back hard in the third quarter and early in the last had the chance to close to within 17 points, but once again inaccurate kicking at goal from several forwards cost them dearly. It was a wake up call of sorts for a Collingwood team that had previously looked formidable.
Richmond started season 2015 well with wins over Carlton and Brisbane in their first 3 games and a competitive loss to the rampant Western Bulldogs. Since that round 3 win in Brisbane though they have been ordinary to say the least, with losses against Melbourne, Geelong and North Melbourne leaving them on the precipice of irrelevance. Senior coach Damien Hardwick has hinted at big changes that may include some younger players to rejuvenate the playing group. The loss to North Melbourne on Saturday summed up the Tigers season so far, competitive and at times dominant, but not able to compete at a high level for four quarters. Somehow they will have to find a way to improve or face falling to 2-5 this weekend.
Collingwood started this season with a bang, winning 4 of their first 5 games to have them near the top of the ladder. Wins over Brisbane, St Kilda, Essendon and Carlton were all emphatic and it looked as if this Magpies outfit was on the rise once again. Then came the match versus Geelong last Friday night. The signs weren’t good early on, Geelong were desperate, they needed a win to keep them on track for the finals and Collingwood just didn’t look to have that same intensity that they had weeks before. The Cats jumped out to a 52 point lead at half time and from there the result was a foregone conclusion. The Pies fought back hard in the third quarter and early in the last had the chance to close to within 17 points, but once again inaccurate kicking at goal from several forwards cost them dearly. It was a wake up call of sorts for a Collingwood team that had previously looked formidable.
Richmond started season 2015 well with wins over Carlton and Brisbane in their first 3 games and a competitive loss to the rampant Western Bulldogs. Since that round 3 win in Brisbane though they have been ordinary to say the least, with losses against Melbourne, Geelong and North Melbourne leaving them on the precipice of irrelevance. Senior coach Damien Hardwick has hinted at big changes that may include some younger players to rejuvenate the playing group. The loss to North Melbourne on Saturday summed up the Tigers season so far, competitive and at times dominant, but not able to compete at a high level for four quarters. Somehow they will have to find a way to improve or face falling to 2-5 this weekend.
By The Numbers
7,007,126 – The number of people who have attended games between Collingwood and Richmond since they first met in 1908. 113,461 – The biggest ever crowd at a game between Collingwood and Richmond. 65,512 – The number of people that filled out Waverley Park when the two sides met in the Elimination Final in 1975. It was the only time Richmond and Collingwood have played in a final away from the MCG. 60,665 – The average crowd for the three games that Collingwood and Richmond opened the AFL season from 2001 to 2003. 40,739 – The average crowd at a Collingwood-Richmond game. 3,500 – The smallest crowd ever recorded between the two sides, in round 14, 1942. Every other crowd recorded has been over 10,000. 2415 – Goals Collingwood have kicked against Richmond. 2007 – The last year Collingwood and Richmond met twice in a season. In addition to Sunday’s game, this will play against each other in round 21 this year. 1992 – The last time Collingwood and Richmond competed in a home and away game away from the MCG. 1980 – The last time the two sides met in a final. It wasn’t one to remember for Magpie supporters. Richmond won by 81 points in the 1980 Grand Final. 201 – The amount of times the two sides have met since 1908. 175 – Richmond’s highest score against Collingwood. The Tigers won by a massive 138 points in round three, 1942. 161 – Collingwood’s highest score against Richmond. The Magpies kicked 24.17 to win by 71 points. 138 – The number of games Tom Hafey coached at Collingwood after leaving the Tigers at the conclusion of the 1976 season. 91 - Games played for both Collingwood and Richmond by Jamie Tape. A courageous and diligent defender, Tape passed away in 2003. May he Rest In Peace. 84 – Games played by former Collingwood and Richmond ruckman Steve McKee. In 1999, McKee was traded to Collingwood alongside draft selection No. 7 (Danny Roach) for Clinton King and draft selection No. 3 (Aaron Fiora) 51 – The amount of times Collingwood have kicked a score over 100 points against the Tigers. 38 – The final margin in last year’s clash between the two teams. The match went in Collingwood’s favour for the seventh straight time. 33 – Dane Swan’s disposal average in his last five meetings with the Tigers. Swan collected 30-plus touches five times in a row before being restricted to 27 in last year’s round four game. 32 - The number worn by David King when he kicked the match winner for Collingwood against Richmond in round 18, 2004. 32 – The number worn by Scott Cummings in his five games for Collingwood in 2002. His first game in the black and white produced a five goal performance against the Tigers. 30 – The number of disposals collected by Dayne Beams in last year’s clash between the two sides. Beams also kicked three goals on his way to three Brownlow votes. 18 – Number of players that transferred between Richmond and Collingwood in the 1970s and 80s. They includeDavid Cloke, Geoff Raines, Brian Taylor, Phillip Walsh and Steven Roach. 16 – Finals matches played between Collingwood and Richmond. The Magpies have won seven. 11 – The Magpies longest winning streak against Richmond. The streak spanned from the sides third meeting in May 1909 and ended in May 1914. 10 - Goals kicked by Richmond forward Jeff Hogg on Mother's Day, 1991. The Tigers' 57-point win over the reigning premiers went down in football folklore as the Mother's Day Massacre 10 – The number of goals Collingwood kicked in the first quarter in round three, 1988. Brian Taylor went on to kick seven for the match against his old side. 8 – Collingwood’s winning streak in the Jack Dyer-Lou Richards Trophy. The inaugural trophy was first awarded in 2004. 5 – Grand Finals played between Collingwood and Richmond between 1919 and 1929. Collingwood walked away victorious on four of these occasions. 3 – The number of seasons Aaron James spent at Collingwood from 1994 to 1997. He later became the 1000thplayer to pull on a Richmond jumper when he made his debut for his new team in round three, 1998. 3 – Sons of 333-game legend David Cloke that elected to play for Collingwood, despite being eligible to play for Richmond. Jason, Cameron and Travis all pulled on the black and white together on one occasion in round six, 2005. 1 – Game played for Collingwood by Brad Smith. Originally drafted to Richmond in 1995, Smith spent two years at Tigerland before a further three at Collingwood. He broke through for his only AFL appearance in round 12, 2000. 0 – games played for Collingwood by Robert Schaefer, the ruckman who started his career at Richmond in 1993 and later transferred to Victoria Park in 1997. |
COLLINGWOOD PREVIEW
After six completed games Collingwood would be satisfied with a 4-2 win/loss record yet would know there are obvious areas for improvement. The losses to Geelong and Adelaide have come about more so due to a lack of intensity on the day more then anything tactical or concerning skills. The use of the ball is a problem for the Magpies though, they rank number 2 for contested possessions, showing they can win the ball, but also have the third worse disposal efficiency in the AFL. The latter is a concern for sure, especially when the game has evolved to the point where turnovers are as much a scoring mechanism as anything today. The absence of Paul Seedsman, Steele Sidebottom and Ben Reid has reduced that number and if the Pies can get those players back into the side soon they may be able to remedy their biggest weakness. In regards to intensity and more so being a side that relies almost entirely on it, there’s not much more the coaching staff can do. With a younger playing list then most other clubs the Magpies will be inconsistent this season and it’s really something that can’t be predicted accurately. After a loss like the one last week to the Cats there is a greater chance that the intensity level will be high on Sunday.
The one positive to come out of the loss to Geelong was the lack of injuries for once. After losing Seedsman and Ramsay the week before only Sam Dwyer is under an injury cloud of the 22 who played against the Cats. Seedsman himself is a chance to return while Ramsay and the uber talented Steele Sidebottom are probably still one week away from being available. The VFL side had a stunning win up at Bendigo against the Cats reserves though, with youngsters De Goey, Gault, Kennedy and Marsh once again putting their hands up for selection. The return to form of live wire forward Alex Fasolo wouldn’t have gone unnoticed either as he gathered 16 disposals and 3 goals. It gives the selection committee at Collingwood a chance to pick a very strong 22 against a Tigers side that won’t have too many surprises in stall for them, unlike the Cats.
After six completed games Collingwood would be satisfied with a 4-2 win/loss record yet would know there are obvious areas for improvement. The losses to Geelong and Adelaide have come about more so due to a lack of intensity on the day more then anything tactical or concerning skills. The use of the ball is a problem for the Magpies though, they rank number 2 for contested possessions, showing they can win the ball, but also have the third worse disposal efficiency in the AFL. The latter is a concern for sure, especially when the game has evolved to the point where turnovers are as much a scoring mechanism as anything today. The absence of Paul Seedsman, Steele Sidebottom and Ben Reid has reduced that number and if the Pies can get those players back into the side soon they may be able to remedy their biggest weakness. In regards to intensity and more so being a side that relies almost entirely on it, there’s not much more the coaching staff can do. With a younger playing list then most other clubs the Magpies will be inconsistent this season and it’s really something that can’t be predicted accurately. After a loss like the one last week to the Cats there is a greater chance that the intensity level will be high on Sunday.
The one positive to come out of the loss to Geelong was the lack of injuries for once. After losing Seedsman and Ramsay the week before only Sam Dwyer is under an injury cloud of the 22 who played against the Cats. Seedsman himself is a chance to return while Ramsay and the uber talented Steele Sidebottom are probably still one week away from being available. The VFL side had a stunning win up at Bendigo against the Cats reserves though, with youngsters De Goey, Gault, Kennedy and Marsh once again putting their hands up for selection. The return to form of live wire forward Alex Fasolo wouldn’t have gone unnoticed either as he gathered 16 disposals and 3 goals. It gives the selection committee at Collingwood a chance to pick a very strong 22 against a Tigers side that won’t have too many surprises in stall for them, unlike the Cats.
OPPOSITION ANALYSIS
Being a Richmond supporter can’t be easy, it’s been 35 years since their last premiership win now, and 14 years since they’ve been seen in the final four, a preliminary final. Yet their fans remain as passionate and as loyal as any in the league. Last season the club repaid a little of that faith with a stunning run of form in the second half of the season to sneak into the final 8 and set up an elimination final versus Port Adelaide. Of course that final was over before it had barely began but it gave the Tigers hope leading into season 2015. They started this season well enough too, and sat with a 2-1 win/loss record after 3 rounds. Since then though the doubts have set and for the most part they have performed well below expectations. Sitting with only 2 wins after 6 games this really does become a must win game for Richmond.
Richmond’s forward line is an area that has to improve. With a heavy reliance of star full forward Jack Riewoldt, the Tigers are really lacking for support for their Coleman medal winning goal kicker. Apart from Riewoldt only one other Tiger averages more then a goal a game and that’s Ben Griffiths who is doubt for this game afters suffering concussion in the loss to the Kangaroos. The coaching staff may turn to youngster Liam McBean or the ever frustrating Tyrone Vickery to assist Riewoldt this week but they are really lacking for quality options. Against a Magpies defense that is as good as any in the league at the moment coach Damien Hardwick will have to figure out an effective way to score of risk having the ball rebound out of forward 50 too easily.
The Tigers midfield is full of star names but in recent weeks it has under performed to say the least. Richmond rank in the bottom six of the league for contested possessions and clearances and it’s clearly an area that they need to improve upon. They do come up against a Collingwood team missing Levi Greenwood and Steele Sidebottom from their central core so this may be an opportunity for a better output from the Tigers midfield. Led by captain Trent Cotchin along with Brett Deledio, Dustin Martin, Anthony Miles, Brandon Ellis and Shaun Grigg they really should be winning more of the contested ball then they do. One are they may be able to get on top of the Pies is in the ruck, with class ruckman Ivan Maric in good form although he does have little support. Whether the Magpies decide to play two genuine rucks versus Maric will be an interesting thing to look out for when the final squads are announced. To win this game this is an area that Richmond will at least have to break even in to have any hope of no falling to their fifth loss of the season.
The Richmond backline should be an area of strength with Troy Chaplin, Alex Rance and Jake Batchelor holding down the key position defensive posts. It seems Richmond have had a focus on the defensive side to their game also this season with a game style that has been described as ugly by some. One problem for Richmond is the ball movement out of defense, with plenty of turnovers already costing them dearly in season 2015. The ever reliable Chris Newman has been an offender also, and just maybe his best football is beyond him now. The good news for Richmond is the Collingwood forward line is dysfunctional at the moment. The Pies rely on Jamie Elliott and Travis Cloke to create most of their scoring chances and are really lacking any great assistance at the moment. The battle between the Richmond defense and the Collingwood offence may well decide just how close this game is going to be.
You would assume that Richmond will come out fired up for this game, they simply have to. If they fall to 2-6 on the season it’s hard to see them coming back and making the finals, even though they did last season. The good news is they have a shorter injury list then the Magpies and they face the Pies at a time when they are still an inconsistent team. There are plenty of options for Hardwick to consider after the Richmond VFL side had a big win last weekend. The likes of Dea, Vickery, Lennon, McBean, Arnot and Castagna have put their hands up and there is certain to be a few changes at least. Overall though the Tigers have to lift, they have to find a way to play consistently for four quarters or risk falling well off the pace so early in the season.
Being a Richmond supporter can’t be easy, it’s been 35 years since their last premiership win now, and 14 years since they’ve been seen in the final four, a preliminary final. Yet their fans remain as passionate and as loyal as any in the league. Last season the club repaid a little of that faith with a stunning run of form in the second half of the season to sneak into the final 8 and set up an elimination final versus Port Adelaide. Of course that final was over before it had barely began but it gave the Tigers hope leading into season 2015. They started this season well enough too, and sat with a 2-1 win/loss record after 3 rounds. Since then though the doubts have set and for the most part they have performed well below expectations. Sitting with only 2 wins after 6 games this really does become a must win game for Richmond.
Richmond’s forward line is an area that has to improve. With a heavy reliance of star full forward Jack Riewoldt, the Tigers are really lacking for support for their Coleman medal winning goal kicker. Apart from Riewoldt only one other Tiger averages more then a goal a game and that’s Ben Griffiths who is doubt for this game afters suffering concussion in the loss to the Kangaroos. The coaching staff may turn to youngster Liam McBean or the ever frustrating Tyrone Vickery to assist Riewoldt this week but they are really lacking for quality options. Against a Magpies defense that is as good as any in the league at the moment coach Damien Hardwick will have to figure out an effective way to score of risk having the ball rebound out of forward 50 too easily.
The Tigers midfield is full of star names but in recent weeks it has under performed to say the least. Richmond rank in the bottom six of the league for contested possessions and clearances and it’s clearly an area that they need to improve upon. They do come up against a Collingwood team missing Levi Greenwood and Steele Sidebottom from their central core so this may be an opportunity for a better output from the Tigers midfield. Led by captain Trent Cotchin along with Brett Deledio, Dustin Martin, Anthony Miles, Brandon Ellis and Shaun Grigg they really should be winning more of the contested ball then they do. One are they may be able to get on top of the Pies is in the ruck, with class ruckman Ivan Maric in good form although he does have little support. Whether the Magpies decide to play two genuine rucks versus Maric will be an interesting thing to look out for when the final squads are announced. To win this game this is an area that Richmond will at least have to break even in to have any hope of no falling to their fifth loss of the season.
The Richmond backline should be an area of strength with Troy Chaplin, Alex Rance and Jake Batchelor holding down the key position defensive posts. It seems Richmond have had a focus on the defensive side to their game also this season with a game style that has been described as ugly by some. One problem for Richmond is the ball movement out of defense, with plenty of turnovers already costing them dearly in season 2015. The ever reliable Chris Newman has been an offender also, and just maybe his best football is beyond him now. The good news for Richmond is the Collingwood forward line is dysfunctional at the moment. The Pies rely on Jamie Elliott and Travis Cloke to create most of their scoring chances and are really lacking any great assistance at the moment. The battle between the Richmond defense and the Collingwood offence may well decide just how close this game is going to be.
You would assume that Richmond will come out fired up for this game, they simply have to. If they fall to 2-6 on the season it’s hard to see them coming back and making the finals, even though they did last season. The good news is they have a shorter injury list then the Magpies and they face the Pies at a time when they are still an inconsistent team. There are plenty of options for Hardwick to consider after the Richmond VFL side had a big win last weekend. The likes of Dea, Vickery, Lennon, McBean, Arnot and Castagna have put their hands up and there is certain to be a few changes at least. Overall though the Tigers have to lift, they have to find a way to play consistently for four quarters or risk falling well off the pace so early in the season.
TIP
This game may well be 3rd vs 13th on the AFL ladder but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Richmond are capable of playing a lot better then they are and the Magpies have been flattered a little by an easy draw. Having said that the Pies have so far won every game they should have, and maybe one they weren’t expected to win vs the Bombers on ANZAC day. The same can’t be said for Richmond who currently have only defeated the bottom two clubs.
Richmond has an advantage in terms of a healthier list although the Pies do seem to possess more depth and young talent then the current Tigers outfit. When it comes down to it though Collingwood should win this game, they will play better and have a higher intensity then they did last week and with a four quarter effort they will grab their fifth win of the season.
MAGPIES BY 21 POINTS.
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