SUMMARY
Richmond is in the middle of a run of winnable matches and, with four wins from its last five games, is keeping the wolves at bay after a horror start to the season. Saturday presents another opportunity against the lowly Lions, who are nose-diving and went to 1-12 with a 49-point loss to West Coast last week. The Lions have both eyes on the future and will unveil rookie debutant Matthew Hammelmann on Saturday. The Tigers could soon have the same future first approach, but right now appear focused on playing their best football and keeping the dream alive. To be any chance of a shock upset, the Lions will need to contain Richmond star Dustin Martin, who recent form has elevated him to a strong Brownlow Medal chance.
Lions midfielder Daniel Rich has struggled with tags in recent weeks. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, June 25, 1.40pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R3, 2015, Richmond 21.11 (137) d Brisbane Lions 8.10 (58) at the Gabba
R16, 2014, Richmond 12.7 (79) d Brisbane Lions 7.12 (54) at the MCG
R5, 2014, Richmond 15.16 (106) d Brisbane Lions 9.9 (63) at the Gabba
R20, 2013, Richmond 14.13 (97) d Brisbane Lions 11.8 (74) at the MCG
R19, 2012, Richmond 20.12 (132) d Brisbane Lions 12.12 (84) at the Gabba
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Tigers' big stars were the difference the last time these sides played, with Jack Riewoldt (four goals), captain Trent Cotchin (37 disposals) and midfielder Dustin Martin (29) all outstanding.
2. Richmond has now won four of its last five matches but three of those wins were against bottom four sides (Fremantle, Essendon and Gold Coast).
3. Richmond has dominated the Lions in recent seasons, winning the past eight matches and 12 of the past 14 since 2005. The Lions haven't beaten the Tigers since round seven, 2009.
4. The Lions continue to rank either last or second last in a number of important categories – kicks, disposals, uncontested possessions, contested marks and goals.
5. The Lions are ranked fourth for clangers, averaging 52.8 a game. They are ranked 15th in disposal efficiency at 71.9 per cent.
6. Dayne Zorko is the Lions' No.1 ranked player in the Schick AFL player ratings at No.14, 57 spots ahead of the next best Lion, Stefan Martin, who is ranked No.71.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Daniel Rich.
The Lions midfielder has been tagged for three straight weeks and had just seven possessions after quarter-time against the Eagles last week. The Tigers could view him as a player who is vulnerable and send a run-with midfielder to him.
PREDICTION: Richmond by 40 points
