Preview of AFL first qualifying final (all times AEST):
Thursday, September 6
Richmond v Hawthorn at MCG 7.20pm
Head to head: Richmond 87 Hawthorn 70
Last clash: Tigers 15.12 (102) bt Hawks 13.11 (89), R3 at the MCG
Last final: never met
TAB Sportsbet: Tigers $1.37 Hawks $3.10
BetEasy: Tigers $1.38 Hawks $3.10
The Tigers are hot favourites after banking 18 wins in the best home-and-away season in five years. Richmond, seeking consecutive premierships, boast daunting firepower on every line: Coleman medallist Jack Riewoldt in attack, Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin in midfield, and Alex Rance in defence. But the Hawks, who recorded 15 home-and-away wins, have the most astute coach in the business in four-time premiership master Alastair Clarkson. How Clarkson tries to break down Richmond’s game style will be fascinating. With Luke Breust, Jack Gunston and Jarryd Roughead in his forward line, Clarkson has the attacking weapons to worry the renowned Tiger defence. But does Hawthorn’s Brownlow medal favourite Tom Mitchell, who had 42 disposals in their round three clash, have enough support around the packs to feed plenty of chances to the Hawk forwards? Kane Lambert is back for the Tigers, with Brandon Ellis the unlucky omission. The Hawks will play two ruckmen, recalling Jonathon Ceglar. James Sicily and James Frawley will also bolster the Hawthorn defence.
Key: Tiger ace Martin. The Hawks opted not to recall tagger Daniel Howe from his five-game suspension to play on Martin, although he is among their emergencies. Coach Alastair Clarkson said on Wednesday it will take a collective effort to stop Martin, noting he is dangerous in attack as well as at the coalface in the midfield.
Tip: Richmond by 27 points.