3rd vs 15th
The Swans and Tigers sit at opposite ends of the ladder with contrasting win-loss records after the first seven rounds of the season.
The Swans claimed their sixth win last weekend with a commanding 81-point thrashing of Essendon.
The Tigers on the other hand have won just one game for the season, but showed signs of improvement against Hawthorn last Friday night, which suggests another win isn’t far away.
Even without Trent Cotchin, the Tigers in front of a boisterous MCG crowd are a dangerous opposition.
History
Assistant coach Josh Francou couldn’t put his finger on it. “If you look at any side in the competition, there’s always another side that they always have trouble with,” he said. “Richmond has given us some trouble. What the reason is I’m not 100 per cent sure.”
The Tigers have proved a difficult opponent for the Swans in recent times. They’ve claimed the last two encounters and four of the past six. Several clashes in the past decade have been determined by less than 20 points.
Even without Trent Cotchin, who was ruled out on Thursday, they still boast a star-studded line up including the likes of Dustin Martin, Brett Deledio and Jack Riewoldt.
Of the 40 meetings between the two sides at the MCG, Richmond holds sway with 26 wins including three of the last four encounters at the ground.
Anthony Miles celebrates a goal during last year's Round 13 clash at the SCG.
Selection
Dan Robinson has been placed on the injury list after having surgery, following a dislocated shoulder suffered in last weekend’s win against Essendon.
With Ted Richards availability all but confirmed, you’d think the veteran defender comes in as a direct swap for Robinson, pushing a smaller type like Jarrad McVeigh, Zak Jones or Callum Mills further up the ground. Or will Richards sit out another week, paving the way for fellow defender Aliir Aliir, who was emergency last weekend.
And who could forget the form of the NEAFL Swans? Could we see any other changes made for the trip to Melbourne with the likes of Brandon Jack, Dean Towers and James Rose pushing their names in front of the selectors following standout performances against the Gold Coast.
All will be revealed at 6.25pm.
Ted Richards could be a big inclusion for the Swans.
No Cotchin
As already touched on, Cotchin was ruled out by coach Damien Hardwick during a press conference on Thursday as the Tigers’ skipper recovers from a fractured cheekbone.
It’s a big loss given Cotchin is a prolific ball-winner, an important leader and one of the more experienced players in the yellow and black. Ivan Maric has also been ruled out but Alex Rance is expected to return.
Cotchin was near best-on-ground in the last encounter between the Swans and Tigers – last year at the SCG in Round 13 – collecting 27 disposals in the 18-point upset. The 26-year-old has averaged 23 possessions a game against the Swans.
With the Swans’ midfielders in great form, Cotchin’s absence will be felt. But all it does is offer the chance for the likes of Martin, Deledio, Anthony Miles, or Bachar Houli to step up and the reins.
Trent Cotchin was close to best-on-ground when the two clubs met last season.
Laidler’s 50th in red and white
When you think milestones, you automatically think total career games. But what’s just as significant, especially in Jeremy Laidler’s case, are club games.
Laidler will line up for his 50th game in the red and white on Saturday – a fine achievement given the defender’s journey to the Swans.
The 26-year-old began his career with Geelong and played two seasons at Kardinia Park before moving to Carlton. After three up and down seasons, Laidler sought another opportunity in Sydney where he’s developed into an important member of the Swans’ defensive group.
“I’ve put in a lot of work behind the scenes to get my body right so I haven’t missed too many games since I’ve been up here. To get 50 under my belt, it’s a little tick of the box. Hopefully there’s many more to come,” he said.
Jeremy Laidler will notch 50 games in the red and white.
