Melbourne heads into Monday night’s blockbuster clash against Richmond buoyed by the return of three premiership stars.
The Demons (3-2) have been boosted by the inclusions of premiership trio Max Gawn, Jake Lever and Michael Hibberd, while the Tigers (1-1-3) regain Jayden Short but still have arguably seven of their best 22 players sidelined due to either injury or suspension.
Dual All-Australian Leigh Montagna believes the Demons are primed for victory, not only due to their improved personnel, but also because their biggest strengths can expose one of the Tigers’ biggest weaknesses.
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“Melbourne’s forward-half game is as good as anyone’s in the competition. They are turning the ball over in their forward half more than any other team in the comp and their pressure in the forward half is second in the competition, so that is a big asset,” Montagna told Fox Footy’s First Crack.
“Why it’s relevant is because Richmond have given the ball back the second-most in the competition from their back-half … It’s been their Achilles heel this year, Richmond, coughing the ball up in their defensive half.
“Richmond need to absorb that pressure – it’s been a bit of a weakness – so if they can do that, they’re a chance. If they can’t, they’ll get blown away.”
This match gets underway at 7.25pm AEST from the MCG.
Watch it live on Fox Footy (Channel 504) from 6.30pm AEST.
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