Crows V Tigers
It’s almost time, Grand Final day – and while it will be unchartered territory for the 44 who take the field, it will be a very familiar day for me many Australian’s who will be filling up on:
- Tinnies,
- Snag (in bread),
- Doritos, and;
- Fond memories of Meat Loaf... (just me?)
Crows and Tigers supporters, it all comes down to this.
Enter our Massive Grand Final Tournament now and keep the day interesting.
LAST TIME THEY MET both were unbeaten and it was the Crows who were eventually too slick for the Tigers. But unlike that time, Richmond will be on their home deck Saturday.
The teams are relatively evenly matched through the middle with All Australian’s and A-Graders in both outfits. Sloane, Matt Crouch and Matt Crouches brothers face off against the Brownlow brothers, (Martin, Cotchin) and Dion Prestia.
While the center square will be critical, the one potential advantage is in the circle. Toby Nankervis gives away height to Sam Jacobs, and the big Sauce Bottle is no slouch around the ground – so Nank the Tank has to play somewhere near his best to halve that contest if his team are to be standing on the dais.
Up forward is the Crows other discernible advantage, at least in experience and star power. Lynch, Betts, Cameron, Jenkins and the skipper Walker are a handful in the air, but also at ground level. If any back six has the men to stop them though, it’s Richmond.
The AA Captain Alex Rance has been well supported by Astbury, Vlaustin, Houli and Grimes. The latters tussle with Eddie could be one of the more pivotal of the afternoon.
At the other end of the ground, Richmond really only have the one top-liner in Jack Riewoldt. At his feet are a collection of young grass-burners, all with elite pace and a desire to apply pressure. While they’re still relatively unknown to the footballing public, no group of players have influenced Richmond’s fortunes more than them.
I see this one being tight, potentially the tightest final of the series. If Adelaide can be contained and the Tigers are within 2 goals at half time, I think they can pull off the most remarkable of Grand Final fairytales (since last year). BUT that’s a big ask. Adelaide have blown their previous two finals open early. I worry for the long-suffering Tiger faithful it may happen again.
Adelaide by 30.
BEFORE YOU GO, let’s take a moment to remember some of the great Grand Final podium quotes:
- “That’s what I’m talking about” – Shane Crawford, 2008
- “Here it is” – Paul Roos, 2005
- “Alan Scott, you were wrong” – Chocco Williams, 2004.
And my personal favourite;
- “CatDog” – Toby Thurstans, 2004
What will this year’s memorable quote be?