Malthouse: Hunted Tigers have lost their aura, Bombers building

Blaming injuries is underselling the problems that Richmond faces in their bid to build a dynasty writes Mick Malthouse.

Expect the unexpected. Prepare for the unexpected. Be ready for the now.

That is how AFL clubs will cope with this current Covid crisis.

And the team that adjusts the fastest will fair the best.

As newly-crowned NBA champion, Giannis Antetokounmpo said: “Yesterday was ego, tomorrow is pride; stay in the moment that is today.”

Teams still fighting for a berth in the final eight must live the day as it is, and be ready for it. Coaches need to rally their troops to focus on the task at hand, each and every individual week.

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Crows players in limbo as flights were cancelled and rescheduled. Picture Mark Brake

Control what they can control, not what they can’t.

And importantly, they can’t let fear take hold. Fear of the unknown and what might happen. Fear of the known and what might be repeated.

State border closures and the AFL’s Covid response is already having an effect on clubs like West Coast.

As Covid has reared its ugly head again, the Eagles’ form has dropped off alarmingly, parallel to its poor form early in hub life last year.

An ageing list like West Coast’s, with young families to care for and think about, is particularly vulnerable to players retreating into a shell and doubting they can cope.

If Western Australia closes down, too, it will end West Coast’s and Fremantle’s campaigns, as I predicted before the season started.

We’ve already witnessed the massive imposition of Covid exposure sites and isolation stints, with Sydney and Greater Western Sydney losing multiple players just hours before the game. It was extraordinary.

Quarantining Giant Toby Greene. Picture: Michael Klein

Full credit to the Swans who adjusted best as the game went on.

Let’s not assume this will be a one off. Since then St Kilda has lost Rowan Marshall and the Western Bulldogs have lost Josh Dunkley for 14 days each, after being in the wrong place at the wrong time. There is every probability we will see clubs being hijacked by bureaucratic state medical officers, right through to and including the grand final.

What a shame it would be if the team that runs down the race on grand final day is different to the team picked just the day before, because of Covid restrictions. How much credibility would the grand final have then?

As much as Richmond had some partner issues in the hubs last year, it still won the premiership, so it is already better prepared for what’s to come in the next five weeks.

Sunday’s grudge match is a reminder to Geelong that they lost to the Tigers in trying circumstances.

As games get shuffled around the country to avoid quarantine and potential Covid exposure, I am surprised Geelong wasn’t afforded a home game at Kardinia Park, with the issue of a crowd removed from the equation.

Playing at the MCG is another advantage for the Tigers.

But the Cats are facing a Richmond team on its knees.

While it was a huge victory over the Brisbane Lions last week, it was costly with injuries to Dustin Martin and Kamdyn McIntosh.

The Tigers have struggled to produce a high-intensity game consistently in the past two months, with just one win from their last five games.

Intensity does go hand-in-hand with hunger. With three premierships from the last four years Richmond is being hunted by every side and that can wear down even the best.

Plus its game style has been worked out. With many players running forward of the ball it leaves a void behind the play. If the ball is eventually turned over, the Tigers have become too easy to score against.

But injuries have played a part in Richmond’s form. It’s backline hasn’t been intact for most of the season, and without consistency it is highly vulnerable to being beaten.

Geelong will be hungry. As much as it has an older side with young families – in contrast to West Coast, Covid chaos doesn’t seem to scare the Cats.

A few injuries, including Jeremy Cameron, the Cats have remained basically intact.

The premiership is theirs to lose.

Tom Hawkins celebrates a goal against Richmond. Picture: Getty Images

Not too many backlines can hold a Geelong forward line consisting of Tom Hawkins and Cameron (when he returns) working brilliantly together, and Gary Rohan in excellent form.

That trio booted 15 goals when Geelong beat Richmond by 63 points in round 8.

Form suggests the Tigers will struggle to get close to Geelong today.

Heading into this round, teams placed seventh to 13th are clinging to the cliff by their fingernails. All are hoping for two things: a healthy list, and no repeat of the Toby Greene Covid exposure scenario for their players.

Essendon can finish off GWS on Sunday.

Greene and Matt de Boer are still out – there must be nothing worse than knowing you’re injury and Covid free, and sitting around twiddling your thumbs while your team competes for a finals slot.

Several weeks ago, I named the Bombers the best team outside the top eight. They are now in the eight. They can take another scalp Sunday and cement themselves deeper in the finals hunt, with the potential to cause some serious damage.

Essendon is slowly getting its full side together with Dylan Shiel back in the reserves, and Sam Draper getting more games under his belt. Exciting to watch, look out for the Bombers.

Sydney could today destroy Fremantle’s hopes also.

The Swans have flown under the radar, and find themselves in the eight, one game outside the top four, ready to put some serious pressure on teams above them.

Sydney’s biggest hurdle is that it won’t play another game in New South Wales this season.

Hubs have been provided on the Gold Coast for families of the Swans and the Giants, making it a massive test for both clubs. But if any one can do it, Sydney can, because it is ruthless in its approach.

After last year, this season was always going to be tough. Throw in unpredictable and chaotic, and you very quickly sort through the rubble.

Originally published as Malthouse: Hunted Tigers have lost their aura, Bombers building