Richmond and North Melbourne both have plenty to lose in the elimination final

LIKE it or not, the story of the Richmond-North Melbourne elimination final will be the losing coach and the press conference that follows, writes David King.

Nth Melbourne vs Richmond at Etihad Stadium

WELCOME to the AFL’s version of the “Biggest Loser”.

Damien Hardwick and Brad Scott have each had six years at the helm of their respective organisations and it now appears they’re both stuck in no-man’s land — somewhere between fifth and 10th on the ladder.

Richmond have been submissive in their two finals appearances over the past two seasons, tapping-out quicker than an average cage fighter. Failing the acid test under the rolling spotlight assessment that September football brings.

North Melbourne rested half its team in Round 23, a move which polarised the football public.

Questions were asked. Why flirt with your form? Brad Scott was adamant that preparation would give his troops the best opportunity in September but the reality is that today is judgment day.

The Kangaroos must force Richmond into turnover in the Tiger defensive end. Richmond play a patient, controlled game that is content to maintain possession while not conceding scores on turnover.

North Melbourne will endeavour to deny Richmond their lateral kicking game, force them long down the boundary line into contests with Goldstein, Waite and Brown who are all capable contested making players.

Richmond’s defence is understated. Against the finalists they concede an average of 80 points — second only to Hawthorn. Alex Rance is the one-man wall, the best defender in the competition and the AFL’s no.1 intercept possession player.

Does Drew Petrie play a decoy forward role and drag Rance out of position to allow Jarrad Waite and Ben Brown more-vulnerable, lesser rated opponents in scoring positions? Petrie could also tag Rance and render his intercept game useless or he could simply deliver and beat Rance on his merits!

Jarrad Waite was recruited to win big games for the Kangas. Picture: Colleen Petch

Jarrad Waite is on a four-week contract. North Melbourne recruited him to be the difference in September — as he has done previously — but at 32 years of age and with upwards of 200 games, he is not a long-term option. He must deliver today.

The Kangaroos main advantage is Todd Goldstein. North Melbourne is nine wins and one loss when they win the clearance battle. They are tougher than the Tiger midfielders but are they damaging enough when in possession? It’s boom or bust in tight for the Kangaroos.

Jack Ziebell has a penchant to blast the ball anywhere from clearances too frequently into turnover.

There’s a sameness about the Kangas midfield that can be exposed. Shaun Atley’s impact is critical.

Richmond’s midfielders cause concern when they push forward. Dustin Martin wins almost 60 per cent of his one-on-ones in the forward line and Ben Jacobs simply cannot compete when he drifts forward.

Dustin Martin is dangerous — especially when he goes forward. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Shane Edwards won’t be tagged and post-game we’ll all ask why he wasn’t. The Tigers have a potent midfield that must hit the scoreboard.

Who will handle the pressure of the occasion? Will it be the Tiger leaders who’ve taken giant strides this year or will it be the grunt midfield of the Kangaroos who understand that winning is a grind?

Like it or not, the story will be the losing coach and the press conference that follows.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON ...

1. Brent Harvey taking Taylor Hunt to the goal square in play and doing what Boomer does.

2. Lachie Hansen. Assess his intercepts versus his opponent’s possessions and scoreboard impact. It’s a worry for Brad Scott.

3. Ty Vickery to continue his recent form which has produced 13 goals in his past three weeks, it’s “Ty-ger Time”.