Rocky Cranston v Phoebe Monahan
Monahan has arguably been Richmond’s best player so far this season.
The defender has had her hands full playing on the last line of defence in each of the Tigers’ three losses.
Monahan has averaged 15 disposals this season, more than double her average over the past two years when the 26-year-old played for the GWS Giants.
Monahan is also second in the competition for metres gained with a whopping 1165 metres so far this season.
Cranston has a bag of tricks and already this season we have been privileged to see a few of them.
Her classy final quarter goal in last week’s game against Adelaide nearly saw the Cats get over the line.
If the Cats can get the ball into Rocky, her explosive power should be a strength in this match up.
Meghan McDonald v Sabrina Frederick
Last season these two key position players matched up on one another when the Cats played the Lions in Round 5.
In that game McDonald was able to keep the Lions’ former forward quiet with Frederick unable to register a mark or a goal, both attributes she is known for.
McDonald made a successful return to football last week having missed the first two games with a broken finger.
Geelong will need to work together to ensure Richmond’s midfielders are under pressure when they deliver the ball to Frederick as the tall forward is hard to stop with the perfect kick.
Olivia Purcell v Katie Brennan
Brennan has faced some scrutiny this season having only averaged 12 disposals for the first two rounds at 50 percent efficiency.
The Richmond captain had a better game last week against the Kangaroos registering 14 disposals, three marks and three tackles.
Brennan is at her best when she pushes forward and hits the scoreboard, something she was able to do last week.
Purcell has had an electric start to the season.
She leads her team in disposals by a long way, averaging 21 per game, five more than the Cats’ next best Becky Webster.
Purcell is also handy up forward.
Whether she is playing in the forward line or in the midfield Purcell is able to hit the scoreboard kicking three goals in the past two games.
Both players have the ability to “set the tone” for their respective teams.
