A win over Hawthorn and a surprise 59-point preseason victory over Geelong two weeks ago, has given the Tigers growling confidence to start their football season with a positive impact in their traditional first round clash with Carlton on Thursday, followed by tougher games against grand finalists Collingwood, Melbourne, premiers Geelong and then West Coast in Perth.
In front of an estimated 90,000 spectators at the MCG, Richmond has to win against premiership contenders Carlton to have any chance of turning the tables on a number of mediocre seasons. The Richmond Tigers had a bad start to last season, with just a draw against St Kilda and straight losses to Carlton, Hawthorn and Collingwood. Given the Tigers finished just outside of the top eight last year, they could of played in the finals had they won two games more in the opening month of the competition.
The Tigers have only beaten Carlton once in round one since the clubs began their season opening rivalry five years ago – The Tigers’ averaging a 60 point losing margin in their last three encounters with the Blues. Coach Damien Hardwick who recently renewed his contract with Richmond is confident he has addressed the Tigers defensive and contested ball issues during the preseason competition.
The Tigers have geared themselves up for a huge challenge next week buoyed the Blues’ poor preseason form. It’s crucial that they win at least twice in the first month, with players Ivan Maric, Brett Deledio, Jake King, Reece Conca, Jack Riewoldt, Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin, Shaun Grigg and Robin Nahas producing exceptional performances for the Tigers to have any chance of beating Carlton.
The Blues final preseason game at Visy Park last week was disappointing as the Carlton players lowered their colours to the Kangaroos by 16 points. The Blues however still remain adamant they can beat Richmond. Not much can be read into the Blues dismal preseason form really, as when Carlton won the 2005 and 2007 preseason premierships they only to finish last in 2005 and second last in 2007.
Blues players including star defender Michael Jamieson, Jeremy Laidler, Nick Diugan and Andrew Walker will be unavailable for the MCG clash, but Carlton will still field a very strong team with the inclusion of captain Chris Judd, Jarrad Waite, small forwards Eddie Betts, Jeff Garlett and a number of key players, including Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs, Kade Simpson, Shaun Hampson, Mathew Kreuzer and Lachie Henderson.
In a closely contested game the overall class and experience of the Blues should prevail and they will run out comfortable winners.