Sunday August 24, 4.40pm
MCG
Fox
Overview:
Richmond’s remarkable winning streak continued in Adelaide last week, and as finals become more realistic with every stirring victory, the Tigers cannot afford to take St Kilda lightly on Sunday afternoon.
The Saints have been ravaged by season-ending injuries over the past few weeks, with Jarryn Geary and first-year players Jack Billings and Blake Acres the latest additions to the casualty list.
Nevertheless, this clash with the Tigers at the MCG, which is less than two months since the last time these two teams met, presents an opportunity for Alan Richardson’s men to climb off the bottom of the table and severely impact the overall make-up of the final eight.
This match also allows St Kilda’s loyal fan base to wave goodbye to Lenny Hayes for the last time in Victoria ahead of the champion’s final game in South Australia next weekend.
Hayes himself looms as an integral player this Sunday as he and the likes of David Armitage, Jack Steven and Maverick Weller come up against the in-form Richmond on-ball brigade.
It would surprise many that Brandon Ellis is the most prolific Tiger in terms of disposals this year, often flying under the radar behind Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio and Dustin Martin.
The recent addition of Anthony Miles has further strengthened Damian Hardwick’s midfield, with the in-and-under ball-winner averaging 24.3 touches per outing in 2014.
In short, St Kilda faces yet another stern test at the MCG on Sunday. But as was the case with the Fremantle game in round 18, any result is possible if Richmond is slightly off and the Saints are at the top of their game.
Never to be discounted, the Riewoldt cousins loom large at either end of the ground.
Did you know?
• Jack Newnes, Jack Billings and Billy Longer have been nominated for the AFLPA’s Under 22 team. Vote for them now!
Did you know?
• Jack Newnes, Jack Billings and Billy Longer have been nominated for the AFLPA’s Under 22 team. Vote for them now!
• Lenny Hayes is just 12 tackles away from overtaking Jude Bolton as the most prolific tackler of all time.
RELATED: Vote for Newnes, Billings and Longer!
Thanks to helpmechoose.com.au for the infographic.
Injury list:St Kilda:
Jack Billings (Hamstring)
Blake Acres (Quad) - Season
Jarryn Geary (Calf) – Season
Josh Bruce (Shin) - Season
Arryn Siposs (Shoulder) – Season
Tom Lee (Shoulder) – Season
Daniel Markworth (Hamstring) – Season
Eli Templeton (Arm) – Season
Beay Maister (Shoulder) – Retired
Jimmy Webster (Foot) – Season
Tom Hickey (Knee) – Season
Luke Dunstan (Shoulder) - Season
RELATED: Geary and Acres out for the season
Richmond:Daniel Jackson (Glute) – Test
David Astbury (Knee) - TBC
Last round:
St Kilda 8.8 (56) defeated by Sydney 19.13 (127)
Richmond 10.19 (79) defeated Adelaide 9.15 (69)
RELATED: Buddy's bag sinks Saints
Running hot:St Kilda: Farren Ray
The elusive wingman has quietly gone about his business this season, playing all but one game and averaging 21.6 disposals per outing.
In fact, he has only dropped below 20 touches in a match on five occasions, illustrating the consistency that has made him one of the most underrated but important players in St Kilda’s starting 22.
Richmond: Trent Cotchin
The last time these two teams met, Trent Cotchin was simply irresistible. The Tigers skipper gathered 31 disposals and booted five goals in a performance that surely would have landed him three Brownlow Medal votes.
Against the Crows last weekend, Cotchin amassed 28 possessions and laid a season-high 10 tackles.
One thing is for sure, if the Saints are to have any chance this Sunday, they must negate the elusive ball-winner’s influence more efficiently than they did in round 15.
St Kilda: David Armitage
It’s been a frustrating year for Armitage, who missed a large chunk of football with an infected knee before returning to his best over the last few weeks.
A renowned tackler, the left-footer has also been a handy ball-winner for St Kilda in 2014, averaging 23.7 touches since round 16.
Richmond: Anthony Miles
Miles’ form for Richmond since he debuted for the club in Round 12 has been nothing short of terrific.
Not only does he tackle ferociously, but he is equally adept at winning the hard ball and signed a two-year contract extension this week.
Round 15, 2014 at Etihad Stadium
St Kilda 12.10 (82) defeated by Richmond 14.15 (99)
Disposals: Montagna (27), Cotchin (31)
Goals: N.Riewoldt (4), J.Riewoldt (7)
