Labelling something a ‘certainty’ in any sport is fraught with danger.
But we’ll attempt to find some anyway.
Here is what we consider certainties for Friday night’s clash between Richmond and Port Adelaide:
Grimes to have 4+ intercepts, 3+ marks and 6+ pressure acts
Richmond co-captain Dylan Grimes has always given his heart and soul.
In his 200th game on a Thursday night at the MCG, you can expect much of the same from the gun defender.
Grimes is not a huge ball winner, but always puts in with the little things like pressure acts, tackles, one percenters and spoils.
He is also an important intercept player for the Tigers, averaging 6.5 intercept possessions across his seven games this season.
We have Grimes having a solid impact against the Power where he should amass 4 or more intercepts, take 3 or more marks and provide 6 or more pressure acts.
Martin to have 18+ disposals, 1+ goals and 3+ inside 50s
Dustin Martin has been in decent form without setting the world on fire in his four games back since personal leave.
Across the season, he has averaged 20.2 disposals as well as 4.8 inside 50s and 1.4 goals.
He has a fairly good record against Port of late, averaging 25.4 touches, 4.8 inside 50s and 1.2 goals in his last five outings.
While he hasn’t been as prolific this year, Martin should knock off at least 18 disposals, kick at least one goal and have at least three inside 50s.
Andrew Slevison
Port Adelaide will lose the hit-out count
Port Adelaide has dropped their only recognised ruckman in Sam Hayes, with Charlie Dixon and Jeremy Finlayson set to carry the load.
They will do so against a pair of rucks in Toby Nankervis and Ivan Soldo.
It’s hard to imagine a world where the Power pair even get close in terms of raw hit-out numbers.
Wines for 25+ disposals
It’s been a bit of a down year numbers wise for the reigning Brownlow Medallist, but tonight presents a great opportunity for Ollie Wines.
Richmond don’t tend to put a whole lot of defensive work into opposition inside midfielders. Luke Parker, Darcy Parish, Zach Merrett, Jack Crisp, Pat Lipinski, Taylor Adams and more have all exceeded the 25-disposal mark in recent weeks against the Tigers.
Expect Wines to find plenty of the footy at the MCG tonight and pick up 25 or more touches.
Nic Negrepontis