Russell Robertson: Poor old Richmond

Poor old Richmond.

For someone who cares little for the results of any other team other than my Demons I can't help but feel only sorrow for the Tigers and their faithful and I reckon I'm not alone.

In pre-season the betting for Richmond to finish an agonising ninth would have been odds-on and the script will always read the same.

After a great start to the season, building up supporters' hopes to the point where they nearly secure finals tickets, they collapse and break hearts.

This year it has been less of a collapse, rather a gut wrenching string of narrow losses which suggests they are on the right track.

But that won't make their members feel a great deal of comfort right now. They want finals and they want it now.

The Kangaroos are the in-form team fighting for the right to perform under the bright lights in September and secure that scramble which usually becomes spots seven and eight.

Sitting in eighth spot, at present - based on form - the Kangaroos supporters would be confident in their boys to be there when it counts especially considering their run home.

Next up they face the hapless Bulldogs followed by very wobbly Essendon.

Their next presents a challenge against the Magpies but even a respectful effort against them can hold them in good stead.

We speak often of momentum being a vital component in finals.

Those who have it tend to perform better and the Kangaroos have Fremantle at home then the Giants.