THIS WEEK: YOU DO THE PREVIEW

[Demonland 71,639]

This week we bring back our segment where THE PEOPLE SPEAK.

Do your preview of Saturday's big clash with the Tigers below.

The pick of the previews will be included in our weekly preview.

[Demon Head 271]

OK. Everybody's shy so I'll try....

Melbourne and Richmond have an interesting recent history. Who could ever forget the "Jordan McMahon" game which was decided when that player goaled after the siren to secure victory for the Tigers and a priority draft pick for the Demons?

In recent seasons Melbourne had the ascendency but all that has changed as Richmond continued their upward surge of improvement late last season to atone for the result when the teams met earlier in the season. This year, it was Richmond easily after an even first half and I can't see the result being overturned this week.

It's a little unfortunate for the fans that injuries have hit Melbourne where it hurt the most at this stage of the season. You just can't afford to lose the likes of Mitch Clark, Aaron Davey, Mark Jamar and Nathan Jones in one week as happened against the Lions. Then to lose the most recent NAB Rising Star nominee in Tom McDonald five minutes into the next game is nothing short of frustrating. Some of those players might be back this week but the task of winning will be tough, such has been the disruption to the team's structure.

Richmond has all the incentive to win. A loss to a team placed 16th would just about destroy their finals hopes. They can't afford to lose and they won't!

[mrtwister 652]

Surely nobody will offer anything more poorly worded than the afl.com preview.

"If Cotchin goes forward, Daniel Nicholson can sit on him and rotate Trengove through the back half as a spare."

[Whispering_Jack 29,826]

Surely nobody will offer anything more poorly worded than the afl.com preview.

"If Cotchin goes forward, Daniel Nicholson can sit on him and rotate Trengove through the back half as a spare."

What does that mean?

[mrtwister 652]

What does that mean?

It doesn't do it justice here but when I read it the last word on the line was rotate.

I looked to the next line with raised eyebrows.

[Tony Tea 2,806]

I hope Cotchin does not forward sit Nicholson or rotate through Trengove or a combination of all five. His move forward earlier this year, dragging Jordie to the goal square, was crucial.

[premiers13 48]

While Melbourne has been injury depleted, there awaits a massive opportunity this week against Richmond.

Let's face it. No King, no Vickery, no Jackson, Morris doubtful - this must upset the Tiger balance. Hopefully back for Melbourne will be Jones, Jamar and Davey. Possible debuts from Couch or Cook or both and we have an interesting contest. While Sellar is 50/50, Richmond will be nervous of the improving Dees.

Melbourne have absolutely nothing to lose. Rivers will probably venture back , while Garland will remain in the a key forward post. One gets the feeling that Garland is a 6 goal game, waiting to happen. 

Shutting down Deledio, Martin and Crotchin will determine the outcome. Jamar or Martin will have to give Maric a bath. Sylvia is getting better each week and I think Howe is about to take mark of the century.

The game might be won at the selection table.

If the Dees win, it will be wonderful, if they lose, then picks 3+4 seem assured.

Melbourne may well surprise, as some of their middle of the road players will be starting to second guess their futures. They all need good performances from hereon in

Melbourne supporters will sleep well at either outcome.

My pick Dees by 17

[biggestred 5,028]

Is this game at the controversial and unorthodox time of 210 Saturday afternoon?

[Whispering_Jack 29,826]

@therunhome: Tyone Vickery out for the season, he'll undergo shoulder surgery. Also Dylan Grimes out for a month with a hammy, and Jake King for 4 weeks

@AFL: Daniel Jackson (@Richmond_FC) has been found guilty at the @AFLTribunal. The two-match ban stands.

[rumpole 515]

I believe the time has come to offer the Richmond Football Club and its players some wisdom and legal counsel in preparation for the coming game and the rest of the season.

1. Never plead guilty;

2. Deny everything and

3. Play the game in good spirit.

It is my considered opinion that the events of the week, the injuries and the disruption to your focus (and I can understand there might be problems with focussing when players undertake the activities that are alleged against them) will make it difficult for you to perform at your best when you face your Demons.

Verdict: Melbourne Magistrates Court by 25 Penalty Points.

[SidVicious 130]

The events of July 4, 2012 have swung the momentum of the game dramatically. The Tigers would have been strong favourites before the sanctions against Dustin Martin (who averages 20 possessions and a goal a game against the Dees) and Daniel Connors who learned everything he knew about etiquette and behaviour on interstate trips from former teammate Ben Cousins but now it's not such a sure thing. As it is, Richmond reserves some of its best football for the elite teams whilst it hasn't really been that flash when taking on some of the others. It lost to Fremantle in Melbourne recently after beating Sydney and Hawthorn and it was rubbish against GWS a couple of weeks ago before losing to Adelaide after an eight goal first quarter. This suggests that Damien Hardwick's boys have some weaknesses that can be exploited. Their midfield is decidedly weaker although it still has the likes of Cotchin and Delidio but the Tigers are iffy in other positions so if James Frawley can do a number on Jack Riewoldt, it will definitely be game on.

I'm tipping Melbourne by 12 points.

[Biffen 12,940]

Is this game at the controversial and unorthodox time of 210 Saturday afternoon?

Why isn't it being played in Darwin-strange indeed.

[old dee 23,782]

The events of July 4, 2012 have swung the momentum of the game dramatically. The Tigers would have been strong favourites before the sanctions against Dustin Martin (who averages 20 possessions and a goal a game against the Dees) and Daniel Connors who learned everything he knew about etiquette and behaviour on interstate trips from former teammate Ben Cousins but now it's not such a sure thing. As it is, Richmond reserves some of its best football for the elite teams whilst it hasn't really been that flash when taking on some of the others. It lost to Fremantle in Melbourne recently after beating Sydney and Hawthorn and it was rubbish against GWS a couple of weeks ago before losing to Adelaide after an eight goal first quarter. This suggests that Damien Hardwick's boys have some weaknesses that can be exploited. Their midfield is decidedly weaker although it still has the likes of Cotchin and Delidio but the Tigers are iffy in other positions so if James Frawley can do a number on Jack Riewoldt, it will definitely be game on.

I'm tipping Melbourne by 12 points.

Bookies Say you are way off.

Demons $4.90 Tigers $1.18

And they seldom get it wrong

[Biffen 12,940]

Bookies Say you are way off.

Demons $4.90 Tigers $1.18

And they seldom get it wrong

I'll take the 5 to 1 action.

Seldom do we have a shocker at home against Richmond who have just seen their season shut down .

[SidVicious 130]

Bookies Say you are way off.

Demons $4.90 Tigers $1.18

And they seldom get it wrong

Thanks for the advice.

Now, why not have a crack at doing a preview and explaining which Rochmond are going to win on Saturday.

[BarnDee 287]

ahb bugger it , dont ever bet on footy after that day in 89 , but might just plonk a $50 on us whats the line ?

[Demonland 71,639]

Thanks everybody for you input. The pre match thread is up and running.

We're done here!