Collingwood’s plan to break through Richmond’s premiership defence

RICHMOND’S vaunted defensive fort holds the key to the most anticipated clash of the 2018 season — and Collingwood knows it. Jay Clark on how the Pies plan to bust through the Tigers’ near-impenetrable wall.

Operation: stop Alex Rance will be in full effect for the Pies. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

COLLINGWOOD will attempt to punch holes through Richmond’s famed premiership defensive wall in Saturday’s MCG blockbuster.

More than 81,000 fans are expected to see the biggest Richmond Collingwood tussle since the 1980 Grand Final, although the Melbourne Cricket Club will today meet to reassess the crowd figure.

The biggest home and away crowd between the two clubs was 92,436 in Round 4, 1977 when Richmond immortal Tom Hafey coached against his old club for the first time.

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Operation: stop Alex Rance will be in full effect for the Pies. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Third-placed Collingwood can stamp its premiership credentials with an upset win over the rampaging $2.50 flag favourites after annihilating North Melbourne on Saturday.

But Collingwood will have to overcome superstar defender Alex Rance only a fortnight after West Coast intercept machine Jeremy McGovern exploited inexperienced forward Brody Mihocek at the same venue.

McGovern worked off his man to blunt Collingwood’s forward forays, but Magpie Mihocek bounced back strongly against the Roos slotting four goals on Saturday.

Can young gun Brody Mihocek continue his good form? Picture: Getty Images

Goal kicking midfielder Jordan De Goey is also in career-best form, justifying rival clubs attempts to land the emerging superstar with a seven-figure wage last month.

All-Australia candidate Dylan Grimes could get the job on the brilliant De Goey.

Collingwood will this week work on its connection inside 50m to help bypass Richmond’s brilliant defensive intercept marking.

Remarkably, the Tigers rank 18th for clearance differential (-4.5 a game) according to champion Data, but instead rely on their counter attack from half back.

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Former Western Bulldog and Richmond livewire Nathan Brown said the Pies had the offensive weapons to trouble the Tigers.

Collingwood has scored the third-most points in the competition this season despite a massive injury list.

“Having Lynden Dunn out of the side hasn’t affected them yet, (Adam) Treloar out of the side hasn’t affected them, but they are scoring,” Brown said on Channel 9.

“To beat Richmond you have to be able to score and they kicked 20 goals (against North).

“That would be the thing that scares Richmond, that they are able to score at a really good clip.”

Jordan De Goey looms as a key man to bust the Tigers defensive wall. Picture: Michael Klein

Richmond topped the Pies with a fourth-quarter burst by 43 points in Round 6 in front of 72,157 at the MCG.

Premiership coach Paul Roos said the Pies could not allow Rance, David Astbury, Grimes, Nathan Broad and Nick Vlastuin to zone off and intercept mark.

“That’s why the key to beating Richmond is making the defenders defend,” Roos said on Triple M.

“They are the best defence at staying in-line with the ball.

“You have to play six forwards and play them deep, play them in line with the ball.”

Collingwood defender Darcy Moore remains in doubt with a hamstring problem after he was withdrawn late from the win over North.

Will Darcy Moore face the Tigers? Picture: Getty Images

North Melbourne champion Wayne Carey said the Pies had to be careful with their ball use forward to avoid Rance and Co.

“You cannot play manic footy, it can’t be quick footy out of defence,” Carey said.

“The reason why GWS had success (over Richmond) is because when they came out they didn’t give Richmond an opportunity to take the ball off them.”

FIVE BURNING QUESTIONS

■ Can the Tigers break the all-time winning streak on the MCG of 18?

Yes. Haven’t lost in Melbourne this year and at the MCG since Round 13 last year against Sydney Swans. Credit to Damien Hardwick, their system is the envy of the competition.

■ How many will turn up?

If the weather is fine, don’t be surprised if the crowd nudges the mark set by the two clubs in R4 1977. That was 92,437. Anywhere near that will produce an electric atmosphere.

■ Can the Pies break Richmond’s vaunted defensive set up?

Collingwood has speed in attack, and if they hit their targets, rather than blaze away there is a real chance Nathan Buckley can chalk up his greatest win as Collingwood coach in the home and away season.

■ Why is Richmond a better team than last year?

Jayden Short missed the premiership run but his run and carry off half back and his precise ball use has been a revelation. Kane Lambert could also push for All-Australian. Gold Coast should throw the kitchen sink at him.

■ Can Nankervis curb the Grundy influence?

It’s the most bizarre stat in football. The Tigers rank last in clearances in the competition. They don’t need to win the ball out of the middle. This is where Brodie Grundy can give the Pies’ midfielders an armchair ride from the centre clearances where the Pies must score to have any chance to strike an upset win.

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