Friday’s only AFL Round 18 match is between West Coast Eagles and Richmond Tigers. The opening bounce is set to commence at 6.40PM local time with the game to be played at Patersons Stadium. The home team West Coast Eagles are the favourites for the match. View our preview and teams for the game between West Coast Eagles and Richmond Tigers.
Round: Round 18 , Friday July 25, 6.40PM
Stadium: Patersons Stadium
Weather: 21° Shower or two.
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Preview:
THESE two teams have underperformed this year and this game is an important test as both are trying to prove they are improving late in the season. The Tigers beat Port Adelaide impressively before the bye while the Eagles outlasted the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba. The Tigers stunned West Coast at Patersons Stadium last year, kicking six goals to none in the second term to set-up a 41-point win. The Eagles will have the added motivation of Dean Cox’s looming retirement. Both sides have struggled in key indicators this year. Both teams are ranked in the bottom eight for inside 50s, tackles and contested possessions this season.
LAST FIVE TIMES
R10, 2013, Richmond 16.7 (103) d West Coast 8.14 (62) at Patersons Stadium
R5, 2012, West Coast 16.11 (107) d Richmond 14.13 (97) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2011, West Coast 22.15 (147) d Richmond 14.6 (90) at Patersons Stadium
R12, 2010, Richmond 19.12 (126) d West Coast 11.11 (77) at MCG
R22, 2009, West Coast 17.23 (125) d Richmond 6.9 (45) at Patersons Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Richmond’s defeat of West Coast at Patersons Stadium last year was a rare win at the venue for the Tigers. The clubs have met here 16 times, with the Eagles winning 13 of the clashes.
2. West Coast is ranked 10th in the AFL for inside 50s this season and Richmond 11th – both one place higher than they stand on the ladder. The Eagles are averaging 49.9 inside 50s a game, the Tigers 49.7.
3. Richmond has struggled in contested possession this season. The Tigers are ranked 14th with an average of 134.2 a game. West Coast is ranked eighth at 140.4.
4. Richmond has been a poor tackling side this year, ranked 15th with an average of 64.2 per game. West Coast is seventh for tackles at 68 a game.
5. Tiger forward Jack Riewoldt has played eight times against the Eagles for four wins and four losses. He kicked 10 goals at the MCG in mid-2010 against West Coast and has booted four or more three other times. Yet, excluding that 2010 haul, his average against the Eagles is below his career average.
6. Neither team has a player ranked in the top 40 of the Official AFL Player Ratings. Nic Naitanui is the highest ranked Eagle at 41, having dropped outside the top 40 for the first time since round 10, 2012. Brett Deledio is the highest ranked Tiger at 53.
Teams:
WEST COAST
B: Sam Butler, Will Schofield, Brad Sheppard
HB: Xavier Ellis, Eric Mackenzie, Shannon Hurn
C: Chris Masten, Matt Priddis, Ashley Smith
HF: Andrew Gaff, Josh Kennedy, Simon Tunbridge
F: Jeremy McGovern, Jack Darling, Mark LeCras
Fol: Nic Naitanui, Luke Shuey, Mark Hutchings
I/C: Dominic Sheed, Patrick McGinnity, Mitchell Brown, Dean Cox
Emg: Jamie Bennell, Josh Hill, Sharrod Wellingham
In: Brad Sheppard, Josh Kennedy, Mitchell Brown, Dean Cox
Out: Blayne Wilson (omitted), Scott Lycett (rested), Jacob Brennan (ankle), Callum Sinclair (omitted)
B: Troy Chaplin, Alex Rance, Jake Batchelor
HB: Bachar Houli, Chris Newman, Dylan Grimes
C: Nathan Foley, Trent Cotchin, Anthony Miles
HF: Dustin Martin, Ty Vickery, Brett Deledio
F: Shane Edwards, Jack Riewoldt, Sam Lloyd
FOLL: Ivan Maric, Brandon Ellis, Reece Conca
I/C: Nick Vlastuin, Nathan Gordon, Matt Thomas, Steven Morris
Emg Matt Dea, Liam McBean, Matt McDonough
In: Nathan Gordon, Matt Thomas
Out: Daniel Jackson (Glute), Ricky Petterd (finger)
