Melbourne's Cameron Bruce marks in front of Richmond's Mitch Morton
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By Matt Burgan 8:06 AM
Sun 02 August, 2009
Where and when: MCG, Sunday August 2, 1.10pm AEST
Head to head: Melbourne 76, Richmond 98, two draws
Last time: Melbourne 14.16 (100) d Richmond 13.14 (92), round four, 2009 at the MCG
MISSING IN ACTION
Melbourne
Jack Grimes (back) – test
Kyle Cheney (calf) – test
Liam Jurrah (ankle) – test
Brock McLean (knee) – test
James Frawley (back) – test
Jack Watts (hand) – 1 week
Paul Wheatley (quad) – 1 week
Mark Jamar (quad) – 2 weeks
Rhys Healey (quad) – indefinite
Austin Wonaeamirri (knee) – indefinite
Daniel Bell (shoulder) – season
John Meesen (foot) – season
Colin Garland (foot) – season
Sam Blease (leg) – season
James Struass (shoulder) – season
Addam Maric (shoulder) – season
Richmond
Andrew Collins (hip) – test
Matthew Richardson (hamstring tendon) – test
Jarrod Silvester (knee) – test
Nathan Foley (ankle/achilles) – assess
Kayne Pettifer (knee fracture) – season
FORM
Melbourne: LWWLL
Richmond: LLLDW
SUMMARY
Melbourne returns from its loss against the Sydney Swans at Manuka Oval in Canberra to confront a Richmond side upbeat after a thrilling five-point win over Essendon at the MCG.
Although Melbourne got the points over Richmond last time – in the process recording its first win of the season – the Tigers will start favourites this time around on the back of their best win of the season.
Under interim senior coach Jade Rawlings, the Tigers played an exciting brand of football against the Dons. Young key forward Jack Riewoldt kicked a career-best six goals, Ben Cousins was at his dynamic best and talent-laden midfielders Brett Deledio and Trent Cotchin showed why they were early draft selections.
Another impressive showing like that will do Rawlings' prospects no harm.
Melbourne on the other hand has been rocked by injury. The Demons made seven changes last round – six forced through injury or illness – with Liam Jurrah and Kyle Cheney sustaining niggling injuries against the Swans to add to their woes.
Although the much-improved Colin Sylvia will be back from a three-match suspension this round, the loss of key personnel will make it difficult for the Dees to repeat their round four achievement.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Michael Newton (Melbourne)
Playing just his third match for the season last round, Newton will be eager to make his mark in the final few rounds, after some encouraging signs up forward with Casey Scorpions in the VFL. He played against the Tigers earlier this season and showed some good signs, but needs to capitalise on his set shots for goal.
Jack Riewoldt (Richmond)
After producing his finest AFL match last round it will be fascinating to see how the cousin of Nick continues in his development. His past three matches have netted 12 goals and he looms as a massive part of Richmond's future.
QUESTION MARKS
The Demons took the points against the Tigers last time and should enter with confidence, although injuries are a problem this time around. Can the Dees overcome their personnel issues and make it two from two against the yellow and black?
Richmond produced a fine win over Essendon last round, but hasn't won two in succession this season. Will this be the round the Tigers achieve back-to-back victories?
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Last time they played, Terry Wallace was at the helm of the Tigers and both sides entered winless. When the Demons came through with the points, the heat only intensified at Punt Rd. This time around, the Tigers will enter as definite favourites, based on their impressive round 17 display. Although the Demons certainly can't be discounted, it appears their developing team is just too injury-hit this time around. And with Cousins, Deledio and Cotchin up and running, the momentum will be with the Tigers.
PREDICTION
Richmond by 17 points
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
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