THEY SAID IT: “I’m actually in the camp – it’s a small camp – that thinks they can be beaten. It’s a game that some people think the competition should be resigned to losing … I think we can beat them.” – Geelong coach Chris Scott throws down the challenge to Richmond before the Friday night blockbuster at the MCG.
STATS THAT MATTER: Sydney started round 19 in fourth spot. By Sunday night, they were ninth – the first time since round five they have been out of the eight. They haven’t missed the finals since 2009.
MAN OF THE ROUND: Carlton’s Patrick Cripps surely racked up three more Brownlow Medal votes after he dominated in the Saturday night win over Gold Coast. One of the few bright spots in the Blues’ dismal season, the newly re-signed young gun racked up 37 disposals. He will come under video review for a tackle that concussed David Swallow but is unlikely to be charged.
KEY MOMENT: With a minute left at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night, Crows star Eddie Betts hit the post with a shot he would nail nine times out of 10. It would have brought Adelaide to within two points of Melbourne, who have had four close losses this season. The Demons held on for a massive win.
TALKING POINTS: For three quarters, Saturday’s clash between Richmond and Collingwood lived up to its billing as the match of the season. It raises the question – are rule changes necessary?.
TRIBUNAL WATCH: Sydney hot head Zak Jones faces a two-game suspension for a high hit that sent Essendon’s Kyle Langford to hospital. Gold Coast co-captain Steven May was booked for collecting Ed Curnow high. Curnow’s brother Charlie also might be in trouble for high contact with May. Cripps’ tackle on Swallow will be scrutinised but the Blues star would be stiff if he is charged.
KEY INJURIES: Matt Dea (Ess, concussion) Kyle Langford (Ess, shoulder) Dion Prestia (Rich, ribs) Jeremy Howe (Coll, concussion) Matthew Scharenberg (Coll, knee) Brody Mihocek (Coll, ankle) Jamie Elliott (Coll, hamstring) James Stewart (Geel, ankle) David Swallow (GC, concussion) Jacob Weitering (Carl, leg) Paul Seedsman (Adel, hamstring)
WHAT’S NEXT: There are highlights everywhere next weekend as the finals race heats up. The Cats are talking up their chances on Friday night at Richmond’s MCG fortress. The following day, arch-rivals Hawthorn and Essendon clash at the MCG in a massive game for their September hopes. Adelaide’s Showdown and Perth’s Western Derby speak for themselves. Sydney must beat Collingwood at home on Saturday night.
