Richmond were ultra-impressive in their 26-point win over Geelong on Friday night and would now be eyeing off Brisbane during the upcoming finals series, according to Gerard Whateley.
The Tigers put in one of their best performances this season in a match that was billed as a potential preview of this year’s Grand Final.
Brisbane, who currently sit in second place, are on track to face Richmond in the first week of the finals, which would be a rematch of their meeting in the same stage of the 2019 finals series.
The Lions have a poor record of late against the Tigers, having not beaten them since 2009 and Whateley said the looming matchup would suit Damien Hardwick’s side well.
“Richmond would have their sights set on the Lions,” he said on AFL Nation.
“They have a commanding record against them, and the Cats belted Port Adelaide, rather than the other way around where Port Adelaide had a nice win against Richmond and the Lions have wins over Geelong at the Gabba in recent times.
“The heroics of West Coast (against St Kilda on Thursday night) just don’t count for as much once the sums are done on this, they’re fifth (on the ladder) and need someone to stumble again to find their way back in."
Three of this year’s contenders – Richmond, Geelong and West Coast – all have what appear to be straightforward matches in the final round of the home and away season against Adelaide, Sydney and North Melbourne respectively.
But Whateley pointed out that ladder-leaders Port Adelaide have a tricky clash against Collingwood to end the season, which could prove to be a “high stakes” contest.
“History would suggest they’d be a stumble from one of the top four teams potentially in the six games left," he said.
“The match ups don’t lend itself to (upsets) but Port Adelaide still need to face Collingwood who could be going tooth and nail for a place in the eight – that might be a really high stakes game.
“There’s less of a potential to stumble for Richmond, Geelong and West Coast.”
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