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Premiership Players Club's AFL match of the round:
Sydney v Richmond @ SCG this Sunday.
Francis Bourke is a revered figure at Tigerland.
''After many years in some sort of hibernation in
the AFL jungle, the Tiger cubs are growing up. Now
it's time for some growling.
''Youngsters like Trent Cotchin, Shane Edwards,
White, Jack Riewoldt, Jake King and Nathan Foley are
really starting to step up to the plate.
''Racehorses like King and Foley are excitement
machines as the Tigers take aim at making the finals
after some impressive form in recent weeks,
including a convincing win over Essendon in the
Dream Time clash at the MCG last Saturday night.
''The recruitment of ex Western Bulldogs player
Jordan McMahon has proved a major inclusion for
coach Terry Wallace as well.
''The scintillating form of favourite son Matthew
Richardson has been one of the major talking points
of the AFL season so far. Playing on a wing and
drifting down to the forward-line and the back-line
when needed, the champion No. 12 is considered one
of the favourites for the coveted Brownlow Medal
along with Western Bulldogs midfielder Adam Cooney
and Geelong midfielder Gary Ablett.
''I would expect Graham Polak to play against Sydney
after a brilliant performance for VFL affiliate the
Coburg Tigers last weekend. The former Fremantle
player can grab a strong mark and enjoys kicking
goals.
''The back-line shows tremendous promise with the
likes of Will Thursfield, Jay Schulz, Luke McGuane
and Kelvin Moore keeping opponents quiet as well as
generating plenty of dash.
''King's attacking play in a back pocket is another
key for the Tigers.
''If ruckman Troy Simmonds and back-up Adam Pattison
can get on top at the centre bounces and the likes
of captain Kane Johnson, Foley, Brett Delidio,
Richard Tambling and Shane Tuck can provide plenty
of run through the midfield, Richmond is a big
chance to cause an upset and come home with the four
points.''
Paul Kelly is one of the most inspirational players
to play for Sydney/ South Melbourne. He won the
Brownlow Medal which was the highlight of his grand
career, ''My great old mate Adam Goodes is the key
to the Swans winning this important game against
Richmond.
''He is so hard to match up on. He jumps up for
marks all over the ground and is able to carry the
footy through the midfield and into the
forward-line. Adam hasn't put a foot wrong since
coach Paul Roos gave him a roast for a poor
performance in the loss to Geelong at Skilled
Stadium.
''Experienced forward Michael O'Loughlin shapes as
anther key for Sydney along with Ryan O'Keefe. If
they can keep the scoreboard ticking over, the Swans
will be difficult to beat on their home patch.
''Ruckman Darren Jolly has been in top form and
he'll be looking at getting on top of Simmonds in
what shapes as an absorbing battle.
''The heavily-tattooed Peter Everitt will be hoping
to give Jolly plenty of support as the likes of
Brett Kirk, Moore, McVeigh, Jude Bolton and Buchanan
look to win plenty of contested footy in the
midfield.
''The back-line of Leo Barry, Craig Bolton, Martin
Mattner and Nick Malceski (back from a knee injury
in record time) will make it difficult for the
Tigers to kick a winning score.
''What about Mattner's arrival from Adelaide. He's
been one of the recruits of the season.
''I'm a big fan of the way the inspirational Kirk
goes about his footy. He's one of the best players
in the heavy going at the stoppages in the AFL.
''I'm sure Richmond will be fired up, but all-in-all
I'm confident the Swans can celebrate a win as they
continue their push to make the top four.
''Go Swannies.'' |
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