SUMMARY
A stirring win against Collingwood last Friday night eased the pressure at Tigerland after it reached fever pitch ahead of round 20. That the club was able to perform with a young team – and with draftees like Oleg Markov starring – made it all the more significant. Richmond is only ever one bad loss away from being put under the spotlight, however, and Geelong has had its measure for too long. It's been 10 years since the Tigers beat the Cats, with Brett Deledio the only current Tiger that played in that game. These teams meet with Geelong on a four-match winning streak and percentage is a focus for the premiership contender. If the Cats get a sniff of a big win don't expect them to let up, with a place in the top four up for grabs.
Can Dusty nick three votes off Dangerfield in the race for the Brownlow? Picture: AFL Photos
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday, August 14, 3.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R5, 2015, Geelong 12.13 (85) d Richmond 11.10 (76) at the MCG
R7, 2014, Geelong 11.15 (81) d Richmond 12.4 (76) at the MCG
R6, 2013, Geelong 20.11 (131) d Richmond 13.9 (87) at the MCG
R4, 2012, Geelong 11.9 (75) d Richmond 9.11 (65) at Simonds Stadium
R18, 2011, Geelong 17.11 (113) d Richmond 7.9 (51) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Mitch Duncan was the difference between the sides when they last played, finishing with 29 disposals, 12 marks and two goals earning three Brownlow votes. Brandon Ellis had 33 touches for the Tigers in the round five game, last year.
2. Geelong is the highest scoring sides this season, ranked No.4 for points per game with 98. Richmond has struggled, ranked 14th with only 81 points per game.
3. Geelong has dominated Richmond over a long period of time winning the last 11 matches and 18 of 19 contests since 2001, including six by more than 60 points.
4. Both teams have been strong marking the ball inside 50, with Geelong ranked No.1 (14.9 a game) and Richmond ranked No.5 (13.5 a game).
5. Not in Richmond’s favour is their recent MCG history against Geelong, with the Cats winning the last seven clashes between the sides at the venue, dating back to 1999.
6. After arriving at Geelong at the end of last season ranked No.354 in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, ruckman Zac Smith has broken into the top 200, ranked No.198 overall.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Dustin Martin.
As he prepared to celebrate his 150th milestone last week, Martin said it was laughable to suggest he could pinch the Brownlow Medal from Patrick Dangerfield. But the two midfield stars come head to head this week, presenting a chance for the dynamic Tiger to measure himself against the best player in the game this year. It could be a crucial match when the votes are being read out on Brownlow Medal night next month.
PREDICTION: Geelong by 44 points
