Each Thursday we choose one game in the upcoming round and look back at some of the more memorable previous encounters between the two clubs, as well some key stats to remember heading into game day.
Geelong V Richmond
Geelong and Richmond have had some memorable matches in recent times that will live long in the memory of most AFL fans, particularly Cats fans. The games have not been memorable due to nail biting finishes or important elimination finals, but rather Geelong’s sheer dominance and ridiculous scoring prowess.
Since 1980, Geelong and Richmond have played 56 times. Remarkably, Geelong has won 42 of these games, to Richmond just 14. Most teams have struggled against Geelong over the past decade, with Geelong winning three Premierships between 2007 and 2011.
However, Richmond has struggled more than most, losing the past 10 games against the Cats. The most memorable being their round six encounter in 2007. The game is often referred to as the turning point for the Cats and the start of their era of dominance.
Geelong ran rampant against a helpless Richmond outfit that could do nothing against a side that would become one of the best teams of the modern era. Geelong started the match with a ten goal to one opening quarter, completely destroying the Tigers in all areas of the games.
The Cats didn’t slow down in the second quarter either, booting another ten goals to one to lead 20.6 126 to 2.7 19. At halftime the Cats seemed well one track to break their own record of 37.17 239 set against the Brisbane Bears back in round seven 1992.
However, Geelong fell 17 points short of that record to win by 157 points, 35.12 222 to Richmond 9.11 65, recording the ninth highest AFL score. Geelong had an amazing 15 goal kickers, with Nathan Ablett, Andrew Mackie, Tom Hawkins and Paul Chapman all scoring four goals.
Richmond has been bridging the gap however, coming within five points in their last match, in round seven last year.
The match is set to be a far more even affair this time around, with Geelong struggling for form of late, with only one win from the opening four games of the year.
Richmond, incredibly, sit in ninth spot once again with two wins and with two losses for the season. But the Tigers will be smarting from a disappointing loss to Melbourne last weekend and will be keen to prove last season’s nine game winning streak was no fluke.
