Key Match Ups
Trent Cotchin vs Liam Picken
Picken never gets an easy match-up and this week will continue to keep him on his toes. His likely suitor from the Tiger army is in-form Trent Cotchin, with Picken keen another notch on his belt by keeping Cotchin quiet. Cotchin’s clearance and tackle counts in the past three rounds has been largely impressive while he also knows his way around the goal posts.
Will Minson vs Ivan Maric
Minson and Maric rank first and second in total hit-outs this season, so this Sunday is shaping up to be a solid battle. Maric leads the league having racked up 557 hit-outs this season while Minson trails closely behind with 546. In the past five rounds however Minson is marginally in front averaging 38.2 hit-outs to Maric’s 37. Regardless both ruckmen have hit their stride in Season 2012 and will be eager to win the position.
Midfield vs Midfield
The even spread of talent through Richmond’s midfield will need to be addressed by Coach Brendan McCartney’s men. While Trent Cotchin has been a stand out this season the likes of Brett Deledio, Shane Tuck, Shaun Grigg and Dustin Martin cannot be underestimated. The Dogs have fielded a relatively youthful midfield in recent weeks but if one thing is for sure the young pups are not afraid of a contest. Led by Matthew Boyd and Ryan Griffen the Dogs midfield will need to turn up to the MCG ready to fight.
Gamebreakers
Robin Nahas
Second to Jack Riewoldt in Richmond’s goal tally in 2012, Nahas has been largely effective as a small forward for the Tigers. Averaging over three goals per game in the past five weeks his influence can certainly make a large impact on the game.
Mitch Wallis
After a career high ten clearances last weekend against North Melbourne, Mitch Wallis is going from strength to strength. The 19-year-old has emerged as a key player in the Bulldogs midfield in just his second season. His improvement on the stats board alone is impressive - he is averaging ten more disposals than last year and three more clearances, he has also kicked five goals in comparison to zero last year.
Brett Deledio
Another in-form Tiger that can’t be forgotten is Brett Deledio. Averaging a career high 28 disposals the former number one draft pick is more than capable of breaking a game open. At 25 he is approaching the peak of his career and after shifting back into the midfield is proving he is a very worthy opponent. Deledio is currently leading the league in total inside 50m - including nine against Brisbane Lions last weekend alone.
