Richmond will be feeling fresh and rested after their Round 13 bye, but have made sure that they're fully prepared for this weekend’s game, saying they’ve planned accordingly.
Speaking to the media this week, Tiger’s ruck man Shaun Hampson said: “We still had a hard training session on the weekend that was almost game-like, so in our minds it’s like we played a game . . . We thought that was the best way to prepare for the weekend.”
Despite our 49-point loss to West Coast on the weekend, Hampson also said that his side would not be taking us lightly.
“You can’t approach any team differently to another team . . . Week to week, slight strategic changes are made, but if you go out there treating any team differently to another team, it’s not how you get the win,” he said.
Sitting in position no. 13 on the ladder, the Tigers have had an up-and-down year. They have won five games and lost seven, but have won four of their last five, including a one-point win against the no. 2 placed Swans in Round 8.
The Tigers are known as strong finishers. After Round 12 last year they won 9 of their last 11 to earn themselves a spot in the finals, only to go down to North Melbourne in an Elimination Final. In 2014, after their Round 14 loss to the Swans, they went on to win their next 9 to once again earn themselves a position in the finals.
They’re a dangerous team with plenty of A-grade players, led by their Captain Trent Cotchin. In 2016, Cotchin is averaging 30.1 disposals, 13.5 contested possessions, and 6.7 clearances.
Other Tiger's to watch out for will be midfielder Brett Deledio and defender Alex Rance – but perhaps the most in-form Tiger would be Dustin Martin – and the stats prove this.
In an article published on richmondfc.com.au this week, the Tigers took a look at the 2016 stats and showed Martin’s domination. He featured in the top five 12 times in 15 different categories, including total disposals (1st), contested possessions (1st), clearances (4th) and inside 50s (1st).
Will Mitch Robinson go head-to-head with Martin this weekend?
Jack Riewoldt is another Tiger that the Lions must tame. Riewoldt has kicked 27 goals this season whilst also averaging 15.2 disposals and 6.6 marks per game. You’d expect Dan Merrett to get the job on him.
Both full teams will be announced here at 6:30pm AEST.
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