Richmond Tigers v Fremantle Dockers
AFL Aussie Rules : Australia : AFL Premiership
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne
Saturday, 10th July 2010, Start 19:10 AEST

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Both teams are coming off an interesting week and will be seeking wins.

Freo lost their star midfielder Michael Barlow to a broken leg on the weekend and surely it will make things tougher in the last stretch of the season as they seek to consolidate a top 4 position.

On the other hand the Tigers had Ben Cousins in intensive care on Monday following an adverse reaction to sleeping tablets. With many AFL footballers relying on No-Doz and the like they also rely on sleeping tablets to get to sleep following a game. In this case something went awry.

Richmond Tigers (15th, 4-10) Form : WLLWW

The Tigers were huge last week when they clawed their way back from 33 points down late in the 3rd term to win against the Swans. It was a season defining match for the young Tigers, who have endeared themselves to the public in recent weeks after a horrible start. They have now won 4 of their last 5 and with confidence to burn they will consider themselves in with a real shot at this, mainly because it is in Melbourne.

The Richmond defence will always have question marks over its head, but only because they are so young. David Astbury stood up on Sunday and made things very difficult for his opponent. Brett Deledio is enjoying playing across half-back where he can gather the ball and use his superior decision making when disposing of it. Will Thursfield and Kelvin Moore have also been solid in recent weeks and one of these two may get t eh big role on Matthew Pavlich on Saturday night.

The Richmond midfield has exciting names for the future. Trent Cotchin, Dustin Martin, Daniel Connors and Shane Edwards have been pivotal figures in the last 5 weeks and they will all need to contribute again. They are young and enthusiastic and now that they have confidence I think it will take a big effort to hold these guys down. Chris Newman and Shane Tuck will add some experience to the centreline and their leadership will be required to keep the young charges in check.

Jack Riewoldt again kicked 5 against one of the best defensive duos in the league last week. He appears unstoppable and this week may face a defender in only his 12th game, in Alex Silvagni. Freo have a few injured defenders and this could spell trouble for them as Riewoldt could do what he did to the last Peth based side visiting the MCG ... kick 10 goals. Andre Collins was heroic last week after being knocked out with 10 minutes to go and came back on and kicked the last two goals for the Tigers including the winner. He will be a useful asset alongside Riewoldt as will young Ben Nason, who is distinguished by his blonde dreadlocks.

Fremantle Dockers (4th, 10-4) Form : WLLWW

The Dockers had an easy win over Port Adelaide last weekend at Subiaco. There was no doubt they would account for Port pretty easily, but now they have to come across to Melbourne and beat an in form Tigers side. The loss of Barlow will hurt the Dockers but they need to focus on this one because Carlton and the Bulldogs are snapping at their heels for 4th place on the ladder.

The defence is struggling for key players at the moment with Luke McPharlin and Antoni Grover out and Chris Tarrant doubtful for the clash with the Tigers. Alex Silvagni could step up and get the main job on Riewoldt, but this will not be easy and someone like Nathan Fyfe or Kepler Bradley could be asked to help young Silvagni. Perhaps double teaming Riewoldt will be an option if the Dockers deem Richmond’s other attacking options to lack gusto.

The loss of Barlow will mean someone else will need to stand up in the midfield for Freo. Barlow got about 30 touches per game and usually stood up with a goal or two at important times of the game. David Mundy and Paul Hasleby along with Ryan Crowley will need to lift their efforts by 10-20 percent each to take up the slack left by Barlow. Barlow was largely unheralded but firmed to second favourite in Brownlow betting and this reflected how good of a season he was having. Anthony Morabito and Rhys Palmer are young but will also need to get involved through in the middle and have an influence.

Matthew Pavlich and Michael Johnson will probably line-up through the middle in the forward positions and Richmond may find it difficult in containing them. The thing in Richmond’s favour is that Johnson is more accustomed to playing in the defence and could feel out of place in the forward line. Pavlich will need to fire on Saturday night for Freo or else it is hard to see the other forwards kicking too many goals. Hayden Ballantyne will exert forward pressure and try to help and add to his growing reputation.

Last time these sides met :

Round 5, 2010 at Subiaco Oval :
- Fremantle 15.22 (112) beat Richmond 11.7 (73)

The Betting Tip

Another close one in a Richmond match. I think the MCG (Melbourne) factor gives the Tigers a strong chance and the influence of their confidence cannot be overlooked.

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Side Bet : Take Richmond to win at 2.64 at Centrebet (Low Stakes)

HANDICAP BETTING :

Main Bet : Take Richmond +14.5 points at Centrebet at 1.91 (Medium-High Stakes)