Richmond is prepared for a hotly-contested battle with traditional rival Collingwood at the MCG tonight.
The Magpies are coming off a club record 118 tackles in last Saturday’s meritorious victory over top-eight team West Coast. And, they’re ranked third in the competition for total tackles, over the course of the season.
Therefore, the Tigers expect them to bring plenty of heat to the Round 20 clash under the MCG lights.
“When we went through our ‘oppo’ review, we highlighted how they outnumber the opposition around the ball, how fierce they are to win that ball back and, even if they can’t win it first time, their tackling and being able to knock the ball free . . . and then get the ball to their runners on the outside,” Richmond assistant coach Mark ‘Wilbur’ Williams said on this week’s edition of Roar Vision’s ‘Opposition Analysis’.
“They’ve been really impressive in that area. It’s the cornerstone of their game and they’ve performed in this area over the last four weeks . . .
“That’s why they’re winning games, no doubt.”
One of the keys to Collingwood’s inside game is its mature-age midfield recruit from North Melbourne, Levi Greenwood, who has blunted some of the opposition’s best ‘mids’ this season, as well as finding his fair share of ball himself (averaging 17.6 disposals per game). He also is ranked fifth among all players in the competition for total tackles.
“He’s been doing a little bit of tagging, but he sets them up with his contested ball,” Williams said.
“His inside work’s been fantastic. He’s rough, tough, aggressive, and he gets it out to the blokes on the outside, who can use it really well.
“So, we’ll be waiting to see what he does. If he starts hurting us with his inside stuff, we might have to go to him.”
Talented ruckman Brodie Grundy is another Collingwood player that’s figured prominently in the Tigers’ planning for the match.
Grundy is not only consistently providing the Magpie midfielders with first use of the ball through his dominance in ruck duels, he’s also showcasing his mobility and winning plenty of ball around the ground (averaging 18.1 disposals per game).
“He’s a competitive beast. (Shane) Mumford (GWS) and he are two of the best (ruckmen) going around at the moment with their aggression and the way they use their body,” Williams said.
“He can run, and when he gets the ball, he can use it. And, he marks it up forward as well.
“He’s also a connection player. He sets up really well behind the ball, he reads the play really well and he’s there for releases, or to press forward and put pressure on.
“Taking Grundy out of the equation is a big factor.
“So ‘Hammer’ (Richmond ruckman Shaun Hampson) will have his hands full. But he’s stood up really well . . . Hopefully he can show his wares.”
