Expect a huge crowd for this Saturday afternoon showdown, the Hawks' first home game at the MCG since round nine and defender Brent Guerra's 250th AFL appearance. Alastair Clarkson's top-of-the-table team flexed its muscle with a superb performance against Essendon last Friday night, while the Tigers fell short against the Sydney Swans. Desperate for a big scalp, Damien Hardwick's men will be out to repeat their upset thrashing of the Hawks in round nine last season. Having two days fewer to prepare – six days compared to Hawthorn's eight – won't help their cause.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday August 3, 2.10pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
LAST FIVE TIMES
R9, 2012, Richmond 21.11 (137) d Hawthorn 10.15 (75) at the MCG
R3, 2011, Hawthorn 17.13 (115) d Richmond 6.16 (52) at the MCG
R8, 2010, Hawthorn 13.11 (89) d Richmond 13.8 (86) at the MCG
R21, 2009, Hawthorn 20.15 (135) d Richmond 14.9 (93) at the MCG
R20, 2008, Richmond 16.9 (105) d Hawthorn 10.16 (76) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Richmond turned in one of the best performances of its recent history the last time these teams met, thrashing the Hawks by 62 points in a mighty upset. Spearhead Jack Riewoldt kicked six for the Tigers, while midfield gun Trent Cotchin was everywhere with 31 disposals, earning three Brownlow Medal votes for his efforts.
2. The last seven games between these two teams have all been played at the MCG, with the Hawks winning five. Both of Hawthorn's losses this season have been at the MCG (both to Geelong), while the Tigers are 6-3 at the venue in 2013.
3. After Lance Franklin's eight goals against Essendon last week and Jarryd Roughead's four, the pair have now booted a combined 100 goals for the season. They are the top two ranked forwards in the Official AFL Player Ratings, with Franklin at No.1 and Roughead at No.2. But it is Roughead, on 54 goals, who leads the Coleman Medal race. Richmond's Riewoldt is third on the goalkicking table with 50 goals to his name.
4. Hawthorn averages 57.1 inside 50s (ranked No.2) and 15.1 marks inside 50 (ranked No.1) per game this year. It is no surprise then, that they are the highest scoring team in the competition. Richmond is slightly behind, averaging 52.2 inside 50s (ninth) and 12.4 marks inside 50 (eighth).
5. Sam Mitchell averages just 23 disposals when he plays the Tigers, his second lowest average against any team. The ball magnet's ability to find space and damage the opposition by foot is crucial for the Hawks. He did just that against Essendon last week, gathering 22 uncontested possessions and only six contested.
6. Having been a little bit patchy at times this season, Richmond captain Cotchin has found form in the past month. He has averaged 29.5 disposals over his last four games, up from 21.5 in the four games before that.
