RICHMOND will have a selection decision to ponder ahead of the preliminary final against Greater Western Sydney.
The Tigers will need to weigh up whether to take an unchanged line-up into the game for the fourth time this season or throw a selection curveball at the Giants by picking first-year player Shai Bolton.
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However, any discussion on whether Bolton could replace Jason Castagna or Jacob Townsend should be short and swift.
Castagna, Dan Butler and Dan Rioli have formed the AFL's best three-piece band in 2017, with each laying between 70-75 tackles this season and kicking between 20 and 27 goals.
Their work together has been reminiscent of Hawthorn's forward trio of Luke Breust, Paul Puopolo and Cyril Rioli during the Hawks' three-peat of premierships between 2013-2015.
Despite that, the Tigers are likely to consider the pace and clean hands of first-year speedster Bolton as he has been in good form in the VFL, kicking at least two goals a game at that level.
Bolton is raw and his selection would be a huge gamble given he has played just six games, laying 15 tackles and kicking three goals in that time.
His most recent AFL game was in round 19 when the Tigers defeated Gold Coast, and although he is clever, the coaches would not be entirely sure he would provide what was needed.
Forwards Castagna and Townsend have incentive to perform well in the preliminary final if they want to be guaranteed a Grand Final spot.
Townsend burst onto the scene in round 22 kicking 11 goals in the final two games.
He kicked just two goals in the qualifying final from three disposals but made a significant contribution as he subdued Lachie Henderson, restricting the Cat's ability to take marks and spoil as the third man across.
Townsend wins contested ball inside 50 and can play either a negative or attacking role, so he keeps his spot.
Castagna is one of nine Tigers to play every game in 2017 but he battled for touch in the qualifying final.
He still laid four tackles and kicked a goal, with the response to his major – his first since round 19 – showing how valuable his teammates regard his contribution.
He also performed exceptionally well against Greater Western Sydney at the MCG in round 18, laying nine tackles (eight in the second half) and kicking a goal.
That should give the out-of-contract 21-year-old confidence ahead of the biggest game of his career.
He knows the Tigers' system better than Bolton and is part of a forward group that has got the job done defensively all season.
Castagna therefore deserves his spot and the chance to cash in on the experience gained in the first final.
The Tigers are in the preliminary final for a reason, having kept the faith all season with their method and personnel.
Now is not the time to blink.
