Live: Swans looking to shed ‘rabble’ tag against Tigers, while Blues star sidelined

Hudson Walker – the draft prospect who has the eye of many recruiters – won the game for Western Australia in the under 18 National Championships.

Thomas Sims had the chance to kick Richmond’s only goal of the quarter but drilled the ball, from just outside the goal square on an angle, into the woodwork.

Sydney flipped the script in the second term after lifting in almost every regard – particularly in pressure and territory dominance.

After trailing at the first break by six points, they now take a 14-point lead into half-time.

 The Swans kicked three goals in the second term – Hayward, Jordan and Heeney – while they kept the Tigers goalless. Nick Blakey has been particularly impressive.

Richmond had just three behinds that term, while both sides haven’t been particularly accurate. 

For a second I thought you were referring to Jake Lloyd, to which I thought, he’s definitely out there on the park today! But no, of course, the coach.

I do wonder if John Longmire – who we know had his favourites – handed over a team with a lot of mental scarring from the grand final defeats and lacked a bit of depth.

Isaac Heeney and James Jordan have put Sydney in front after back-to-back goals. Heeney involved in both goals after he picked the ball up off the deck, shouldered a fend off and sliced the ball to Jordan inside 50.

Richmond are yet to kick a goal this second quarter.

Tim Taranto, Dion Prestia (who now has James Rowbottom for company) and Jacob Hopper have been quiet compared to their influential opening term.

It’s not raining goals this second quarter, with just the two behinds from Jake Lloyd (Swans) and Luke Trainor (Tigers) seven minutes in.

Sydney are winning more of the territory battle now, while Richmond are the ones absorbing the pressure.

It’s a game of four quarters but Sydney are going to want to click into gear after the first break if they want to redeem themselves from last week’s ‘shellacking’.

They started off the mark – trailed by 2-9 inside 50s at one stage – but got come composure back towards the end of the first term.

For Tigers fans, they’ll be hoping their side can keep some of this opening quarter momentum.

It’s Richmond who take the lead into the first break after kicking three goals to two.

It was an impressive opening term from the young Tigers, with the experienced heads of the group Dion Prestia, Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto having a big influence.

Meanwhile Sydney already have more behind than goals as their kicking woes continue (they booted 2.4) but Nick Blakey and Callum Mills have been solid early.

Both sides missed a few gettable kicks; notably score review deemed Nick Blakey hit the post in what was initially called a goal and Jonty Faull took an incredible mark near the big sticks but couldn’t stick the kick.

Richmond have an early lead after goals through Tim Taranto, Seth Campbell and Dion Prestia. Sydney just have the one through Corey Warner.

The Tigers have been impressive early. They’ve managed 12-4 inside 50s and have been rewarded with an early 14-point lead.

Tim Taranto has kicked the first major for Richmond after being caught high trying to get the ball out of congestion deep inside the Tigers’ 50.

Nick Blakey run down the guts of the MCG and kicked the ball right in front of Corey Warner inside 50. Warner slotted through the set shot for the first goal of the afternoon.

That is not the news Carlton fans wanted to hear: spearhead Harry McKay has been ruled out of their King’s Birthday Eve blockbuster clash with Essendon.

He’s been sidelined with knee soreness.

Five minutes in and we have just the two Richmond behinds (Tom Lynch and rushed).

Tigers have brought the pressure and Tim Taranto has been solid early.

Nick Blakey, too, for the Swans.

Richmond and Sydney are underway at the ‘G. Let’s do this thing.

There was already some pushing and shoving pre-bounce. Could be a passionate few hours ahead.

The question heading into the day: Can Sydney respond after opposition player Wayne Milera labelled them a ‘rabble’ last weekend?

For the record, a more than fair comment given Adelaide torched them with a 90-point demolition.

However, according to Richmond’s banning, the Tigers sense another victory for their lot.

First bounce 1:20pm AEST.

Adem Yze kindly spoke to ABC before the first bounce today.

He had some words about the brutal nature of the coaching industry worldwide following Ange Postecoglou’s sacking from Tottenham.

“But knowing Ange he’ll go to another club and win trophies there,” Yze said.

Hey, Stuie! Lineups are on the apps. Shows you who is playing where (well theoretically).

Hi Bailey! Good question.

It’s really a must-win for the Swans. After they were thumped by the Crows last week, they now sit 4-8. Meaning finals seems unlikely and a loss today will put that hope very far out of reach.

Meanwhile, the Tigers are 3-9. But as a team many pegged as wooden spooners at the start of the year, that’s really not all too bad for the rebuilding side.

Richmond have had some good wins this year. So even though Sydney are favourites, it’s a big danger game for them.

Rest assured if you hate surprises. There are non to the teams for Richmond and Sydney’s clash.

After the Swans were thumped by Adelaide last weekend (by 90 points on their home deck, too), Dean Cox made a host of changes to the list. That was helped by a few crucial players being available again.

Suspended skipper Callum Mills comes back, along with Harry Cunningham, Sam Wicks, Aaron Francis and Tom Hanily.

Making way for them is Peter Ladhams (injured), Matt Roberts (illness), Caleb Mitchell, Joel Hamling and Caiden Cleary (all omitted).

Meanwhile, Noah Balta comes back in the side for the Tigers – a day game meaning he can get home before curfew – with Campbell Gray omitted.