North Melbourne v Richmond
Saturday, July 14
Holm Park
First bounce: 2.10pm (AEST)
Storyline
North Melbourne’s VFL side will look to derail the competition-leading Richmond at Holm Park on Saturday afternoon.
After a disappointing performance in testing conditions against Casey last weekend, the Roos will aim to make amends against the form side of the competition, which is in the midst of a three-game winning streak.
With both sides offering a host of players that are pushing for senior selection, a free-flowing afternoon of footy is expected at Beaconsfield.
Ruck rotations
After a dominant display in the ruck last weekend, Braydon Preuss will hope to replicate the performance at Holm Park.
The bulldozing big man recorded a remarkable 72 hit-outs in the wet against Casey.
With that in mind, a narrative that could prove decisive is who Richmond ultimately name to challenge the authoritative 23-year-old at the first bounce.
The last time the two sides met in a curtain-raiser at Etihad Stadium in Round 6, Preuss was faced with resistance by Ivan Soldo, with the pair engaging in a see-sawing battle for four quarters.
Emerging pair Callum Coleman-Jones and Noah Balta deputised in Soldo’s absence for the Tigers last weekend to great success, combining for 33 hit-outs against Essendon.
Balta started the afternoon in the ruck before filling roles across both sides of the ground.
Soldo has been named by Richmond head coach Craig McRae in a forward role, meaning a ruck rotation isn’t out of the question.
Return to aerial route
A water-logged pitch made it extremely difficult for key-forwards Nick Larkey, Tristan Xerri and Oscar Junker to assert their authority on proceedings last weekend.
However, with clear skies forecasted, a return to North’s signature avenue to goal could be on the cards with the aforementioned talls all named by head coach David Loader.
Richmond’s style of play isn’t dependant on heavy use of the footy, with the Tigers ranked last for average disposals.
This statistic hasn’t limited Richmond’s push forward this season, meaning North will need to make every possession count in the middle of the ground.
Having named dependable trio Nathan Hrovat, Nick Rippon and Kyron Hayden in the centre, clean and clinical disposal is a must for the upset-minded Roos.
Traffic across flanks
Richmond continues to show a consistent ability to seamlessly transition forward.
An attack minded-approach has been built from defence, with its run and carry from inside its back 50 proving to be a highlight.
This was on display last weekend, with Connor Menadue starting attacking sequences from half-back and Liam Baker providing first use on multiple occasions.
North’s ability to stifle Richmond’s aggressive style of play will be essential.
Hard-working pair Chris Jansen and Nash Holmes were crucial once again in North’s engine room, laying 15 and 20 tackles respectively.
If they can produce similar efforts on Saturday afternoon, an opportunity to play exclusively across the flanks could be a prominent option.
Luke Davies-Uniacke navigated through traffic around the stoppages with ease in difficult conditions at Casey Fields, highlighting his potential as an elite midfielder.
The 19-year-old will likely spend time on the half forward flank. If he can win enough of the football early, North could provide a threat through either of these channels.
Richmond team
B: Coffield, Balta, Ernest
HB: Credlin, Miller, Menadue
C: Naish, Ballard, Silvestro
HF: Baker, Coates, Stengle
F: Bathie, Soldo, Lloyd
R: Coleman-Jones, Townsend, Mcintosh
Int: Cusack, Grewar, Hayward, Mannagh, O’Sullivan, Tanner, Thompson, Wood
23P: Riley
Burning questions
How will North respond?
If North’s previous results are anything to go by, a determined display can be expected.
The Roos have shown an ability to bounce back from adversity, scoring wins over Coburg and Port Melbourne on the back of disappointing performances the week prior.
Who will go to Stengle?
The bulk of Richmond’s goals this season have come from Tyson Stengle.
With a plethora of in-form defenders at North’s disposal within its defensive six, including the AFL-bound Ben McKay, Sam Durdin and Dan Nielson, the handling of the explosive goal sneak will go a long way towards a positive result.
Will North exact revenge?
The disappointing perfomance from Round 6 was the catalyst to North’s turnaround in form, with a promising month of footy following the curtain-raiser at Etihad Stadium.
Having already secured the scalps of competition leading sides Port Melbourne and Box Hill earlier in the season, the Roos will look to complete a hat-trick of upsets on Saturday.
Fans are invited to attend Saturday’s VFL match against Richmond at Holm Park, with the first bounce at 2.10pm.
