Richmond vs Port Adelaide - Etihad Stadium - Sunday
Richmond 15th - 6-15 - 71.97%
Port Adelaide 10th - 9-12 - 80.91%
The curtain will come down for one of the modern era's finest players this Sunday with Ben Cousins bowing out on his own terms.
With the release of the documentary this week the 2005 Brownlow Medalist has been the talk of the town and make no mistake he will play this week despite the words coming out of the club.
For his Richmond side it is the chance to put a final full stop on what has been an ultimately positive season in which they have exceeded the expectations of almost everyone.
For Port Adelaide it is the chance to continue their ressurection on season 2010 and produce a fifth win from six starts.
Matthew Primus will coach Port Adelaide next year there is little doubt about that, and so he should given his recent results.
Port Adelaide's season was spiralling out of control at Round 15 but since then with the exception of a horrendous defeat to St.Kilda at Etihad Stadium the Power have been very impressive.
Admittedly all four of their victories have come at Aami Stadium but it's been the hunger and commitment that has really stood out.
Matthew Primus would be eager to win a game on the road though and if they do they could conceivably finish as high as 9th which would be a fair recovery.
Brett Ebert this week successfully underwent LARS surgery on his badly damaged knee but his absence will rob them off some firepower no doubt, but with Jay Schulz eager to perform against his old side, Westhoff and Grey in form they still have the tools to kick a winning score.
In the last six weeks Port Adelaide have averaged just 46 Inside fifties a game which ranks last yet they have won four of those games which suggests a new efficiency in their playing style.
They have also won the inside fifty count just three times from their nine interstate trips this year which further emphasises that trend.
Last week they scored 71 points directly from Melbourne turnovers which was their best differential this season and Richmond can be sloppy by foot so they will be looking to hurt them at all times.
For Richmond, last week was a pleasing performance despite the 21 point loss to St.Kilda and they would have been particularly happy with their ability to hurt the Saints on the counter attack, and the fact they maintained the pressure all day.
Even when St.Kilda opened up a 37 point buffer in the final term the Tigers kept coming and had the last six scoring shots of the game.
They scored ten goals from St.Kilda turnovers and they also recorded their highest disposal efficiency of the season in what was a strangely open game.
Both sides played quite a free flowing style and it suited Richmond's style down to the ground.
This year Richmond rank third for tackles, third for clearances but last for disposal efficiency so if they can sharpen up then the results should start to come.
It is easier said then done though and I'm sure Hardwick is aware of the work required and won't be getting ahead of himself by any means.
Daniel Jackson will miss again with injury but the inclusion of Trent Cotchin was really positive last week with his class around the stoppages so crucial.
He kicked two very nice goals and used the ball sublimely and his assistance at the stoppages for Cousins, Tuck, Martin and co is so important.
If you add a fit Jackson and Foley to that group it's no surprise as to why there are so many wraps on their midfield.
Then there's Ben Cousins. The story about his second chance at football is about far more then sport, it's about potentially saving his life and reaching out for him in his time of need.
A guy that gave the game so much was brought back into the footballing family at his time of need and if you hear from Ben and his father Bryan in that documentary you get an understanding for how significant it was that they gave him that lifeline.
He will forever hold a special love for the Richmond football club and that will be a telling factor on Sunday.
His teammates have a wonderful repour with him and he has taught them plenty over the two years.
Whilst the partnership maybe not have been immensely successful on field in terms of wins and losses, the impression he has left on his some of his teammates will be telling.
Expect a big crowd to show up Sunday to wrap up one of the most controversial yet brilliant football careers.
A few weeks ago I pictured this game panning out like the Hawthorn v Geelong clash in Round 22 of 2006 with a young emerging side smashing a team that had faced much scrutiny all year for under achieving.
I could see Richmond doing that to Port Adelaide, but the Power have experienced a ressurection of their own in the past six weeks and will be keen to finish the year strongly.
However I still think this will be Richmond's day.
With a big crowd in support, some young kids playing with confidence and the incentive to send Ben Cousins off in style I think it will be a fitting end for the number 32.
Send him off in style they will, and win number seven will be forthcoming for Dimma's men.
Richmond by 28 points
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