September 28th (Saturday 2.30pm) MCG
The last Saturday in September has arrived for two sides. The Tigers have been here before and last tasted victory in 2017 while for the Giants, it is their first time at the big dance. Both sides have had different paths to the Grand Final with the Tigers winning both of their finals without getting out of first gear while the Giants have had to play three finals two away from home to make it.
The Giants last week had their best win of their short existence. They were without stars Greene and Whitfield but rallied to beat the Pies by 4 points in a game that had so much drama. Those two players Greene and Whitfield are back this weekend for the unlucky Hill and Keefe.
So much has been spoken about Toby Greene since he was suspended in the Semi final but my God he is going to unleash on Saturday. He is the sort of guy that is not going to leave anything on the pitch. Whitfield will add class and polish when the Giants are coming out of the back line. The Tigers have brought in a debut player in Pickett who is the first player to make his debut in a Grand Final in 67 years. Interesting move from the Tigers here let's see if it pays off for them but I am saying it is a big risk.
Like last weekend’s games, this game will be won in the middle and a lot will be down to the two ruckmens. Shane Mumford was huge last weekend vs Grundy but this weekend he needs to go again and try and beat Soldo and Nankervis if the Giants are any chance of winning. The Giants are given no chance in the betting market but it is a Grand Final and anything can happen.
Key Match-ups:
Davis to Lynch if Davis can keep him quiet then that is a win for the Giants.
De Boer to Martin he beat Martin earlier this year so would back himself in again to help his side stop the best player in the game.
Grimes on Cameron, Cameron kicked 3 last week so Grimes needs to be very tight on Cameron.
It will be hot in the kitchen early but if the Giants can contain the Tigers they can win this game. The Crowd will be Yellow and Black but I am tipping the Giants in a classic.
H2H
Richmond have won three of the past five matches vs the Giants
Best Bet
Giants +17.5 $1.90
Giants 1-39 $3.70
Dustin Martin $5 - Runs hard all day, is a goal kicking midfielder that could push forward and kick a quick three like he did against the Lions. Will be interesting to see if he gets tagged.
Tom Lynch $11 - Power forward who could cut the game apart with his goal kicking was on last weekend and got the Tigers over the line
Bachar Houli $10 - Hard running back flanker who gets a ton of the footy and has elite foot skills was All Australian for a reason
Toby Greene $13 - He is back. If he plays well the Giants win, Born for the big moment will leave nothing on the field on Saturday. Kicks goals and gets a ton of the footy
Jeremy Cameron $15 - Full forward for the Giants who like Lynch can kick bags and dominate his opponent played unreal last weekend. Takes that form into this week
Tim Taranto $23 - Ball magnet who has a great year. Stepped up last weekend when the Giants needed him. Goal kicker as well
