SUMMARY
The Tigers bounced back from their Grand Final rematch loss to the Crows to see off Hawthorn by 13 points at the MCG last Sunday. They unveiled yet another small forward – Jack Higgins – who's sure to give opposition coaches a headache after making an immediate impact with two electric goals that made him an instant fan favourite. The Tigers will keep the Lions guessing this week with a squeeze on for selection; there are no obvious omissions or injuries, while Josh Caddy, Nathan Broad and possibly Dion Prestia will all be available. However, one thing is certain; Toby Nankervis is in for a big challenge against Stefan Martin, who was the Lions' best last week, not only against Justin Westhoff but also with his work around the ground. The Lions fell just five points short of Port Adelaide without skipper Dayne Beams, who was a late withdrawal with illness.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, April 14, 2.10pm, AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R17, 2017: Richmond 16.16 (112) d Brisbane Lions 12.9 (81) at Etihad Stadium
R4, 2017: Richmond 17.17 (119) d Brisbane Lions 10.7 (67) at the Gabba
R14, 2016: Richmond 17.15 (117) d Brisbane Lions 11.9 (75) at the MCG
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
THE SIX POINTS
1. Can Dustin Martin bounce back from a quiet (by his standards) performance against the Hawks? History says maybe; the Brownlow medallist had 40 touches and kicked two goals against the Lions in round 17 last year, but touched the ball just 16 times when they first met in round four.
2. Jack Riewoldt could prove a handful for the visitors. The spearhead kicked four goals in both wins against the Lions last year, while Dan Butler booted three in round 17.
3. The Lions could get the edge in the clearances though, given they're ranked second (with an average of 43.3 per game) to the Tigers' equal-13th (36 per game). Dayne Zorko and Rhys Mathieson lead the team with 12 each, Martin is second with 11 and Jarrod Berry third with 10.
4. The Tigers are a force when it comes to getting the ball out of the centre. They're ranked third in the League at centre clearances, led by Martin and Trent Cotchin, while the Lions are 10th.
5. Recent wins at the MCG have been few and far between for the Lions, against the Tigers or any other opponent. They last toppled Richmond at the venue in round seven, 2009, while they've lost their past five matches at the 'G, their most recent win coming against Collingwood in round 21, 2014.
6. Former Crow Charlie Cameron has wasted no time settling into life as a Lion. His three goals in each round have seen him soar up the rankings in the Schick AFL Player Ratings. He was 172nd overall after last year's Grand Final, and is now 129th after just three games.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Moved into the midfield after half-time last week, Reece Conca was impressive against the Hawks. The popular whipping boy for Tiger fans has overcome persistent injuries over the last few years to play the first three games, but with Prestia nearing a return, the pressure is on for him to maintain his form in the final year of his contract.
PREDICTION: Richmond by 27 points.
