Match
Round eight: Melbourne v Richmond
Details
Sunday, May 19, 3.20pm (local time), MCG
Broadcast guide
http://www.afl.com.au/tv-radio/broadcast-guide
Form
Melbourne: L L L W L L L
Richmond: W W W L L L W
Ladder position
Melbourne: 17th
Richmond: 7th
Milestones
Melbourne: -
Richmond: -
Coaching records
Mark Neeld: 29 matches, 5 wins, 0 draws, 24 losses
Damien Hardwick: 73 matches, 28 wins, 2 draws, 43 losses
Injury lists
Melbourne: Mitch Clark (foot) – 5-7 weeks, Jack Grimes (shoulder) – 6-8 weeks, Mark Jamar (groin) – test, Tom McDonald (shoulder) – 1-2 weeks, Nathan Stark (groin) – 2 weeks, Jack Trengove (calf) – test, Jack Watts (hamstring) – test
Richmond: Reece Conca (foot) – 2-3 weeks, Trent Cotchin (knee) – tests, Dylan Grimes (foot) – 1-2 weeks, Chris Knights (knee) – season, Brett O’Hanlon (ankle) – 2-3 weeks, Ricky Petterd (calf) 1 week, Shane Tuck (shoulder) – 6-8 weeks
Players to watch
Melbourne: Jack Viney
No one could question Viney’s attack on the football. He shows courage and determination beyond his years – every time he pulls on a Melbourne jumper. His six tackles last week against the Suns were a joint team high with Colin Sylvia. Sylvia will miss the next three weeks, but given the type of player Viney is, he will endeavour to fill the void.
Richmond: Ivan Maric
Since coming to the Tigers from Adelaide, Maric has gone from strength to strength. A third place finish in Richmond’s best and fairest highlighted this last year, despite struggling through the second half of the year with a groin injury. Maric will be matched up against developing Demon ruckman Jake Spencer.
Match-ups to watch
Jordie McKenzie v Brett Deledio
Nearly half of McKenzie’s 60 possessions this year have been contested. Deledio has his fair share of contested disposals, but wins plenty of disposals spreading from stoppages. McKenzie may be pitted against Deledio in what looms as a fascinating contest.
James Frawley v Jack Riewoldt
These two have had many battles over the years, since both being drafted in 2006. Frawley has had the wood over Riewoldt on several occasions. But the Tiger has also edged the Demon also. It will no doubt be another fine battle between the pair.
Most disposals
Melbourne: Nathan Jones (156)
Richmond: Dustin Martin (174)
Most marks
Melbourne: Jeremy Howe (42)
Richmond: Alex Rance (46)
Most tackles
Melbourne: Jack Trengove (30)
Richmond: Shane Edwards (30)
Most goals
Melbourne: Jeremy Howe (12)
Richmond: Jack Reiwoldt (24)
What Melbourne says …
“We attack each week with a desire to have an improved performance, and obviously after the weekend there is a lot of areas we need to improve. The first one is the combative areas of footy.” – Melbourne coach Mark Neeld
What Richmond says …
“[Melbourne] will come out all guns blazing, so we’ve just got to make sure we take it, but more importantly dish out some of our own.” – Richmond coach Damien Hardwick on richmondfc.com.au
Key Melbourne question
What areas can Melbourne improve on this weekend?
Expecting every area of Melbourne’s game to improve in one week is a huge ask. Instead it is more likely that a focus will be put on one or two key disciplines. Given the scrutiny that Mark Neeld put on his side’s tackling last week, expect that area to be of significant focus.
Key Richmond question
Will Richmond fade out after half time?
In several games this year, the Tigers have often steamed into half-time with a lead. But they have come out after the main break appearing to be a different side. It will be interesting to see how they fare as the red-hot favourites against the Demons.
Summary
Following last weekend’s loss to the Suns, Melbourne coach Mark Neeld said his team had gone backwards, after improving in the previous three weeks. The Demons will need to make up those lost steps quickly to challenge the Tigers, who are enjoying one of their best starts to a season in decades. This game may be decided after half-time, with both teams having struggled after the main break in several matches.
