THERE'S a sense of anticipation at Punt Road ahead of Richmond's clash with fellow top-four side West Coast on Sunday.
The Tigers have won seven games straight, and after a torrid run with injury, the only concern is skipper Trent Cotchin, one more week away with a lingering hamstring issue.
Cotchin will miss again for the Tigers. Picture: AFL Photos
But the final two matches of the season – against the Eagles and Brisbane (currently in second place) – will shape Richmond's finals campaign.
Coach Damien Hardwick won't be holding back any surprise tactics over the next fortnight, despite the strong chance of meeting their upcoming opponents in September.
"We've got match committee today (Friday) and we'll go through a couple of scenarios and what it looks like," Hardwick said.
"But we're in a position where we have to win, so we'll make sure we put our best foot forward and worry about what comes down the track, down the track."
A quirk of the fixture means the last time Richmond and West Coast met was round nine, 2018, when the Eagles comprehensively humbled the Tigers at Optus Stadium.
"There were some things in our game that we took away from and made some changes as to how we want to play last time," Hardwick said.
"They're a great aerial side. Their ability around the clearances is another strength of theirs, and their ability to control the ball by foot. So, there's three areas of their game we'll try and negate as best we can."
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Hardwick was confident Cotchin will return next round, making it three weeks on the sideline for his latest left hamstring issue, his third this year.
Superstar midfielder Dustin Martin will return after a week off with general soreness.
"[Martin] was a bit touch-and-go last week, but the amount of work he's put into training this week, there was always going to be an easy decision to make, so we look forward to welcoming him back," Hardwick said.
"Unfortunately, Trent's come up a little bit short once again. Our medical team want to get a couple of extra high intensity training sessions in before we put him in the rigours of AFL.
"If push comes shove, we could have played him, but once again we'd rather have him back for the long-term rather than the short." - Damien Hardwick
Ruckman Toby Nankervis alternated between running and walking laps before training was closed to media, appearing to be stretching out his back. Ivan Soldo is in the extended squad and could be a replacement if necessary.
Hardwick wouldn't confirm if mid-season recruit Marlion Pickett would make his debut after being named in the 26.
Will Pickett face the Eagles? Picture: AFL Photos
"Every week he plays he gets match-fit. Ability-wise, we think he's capable of playing AFL football, there's no doubt about that, that's why we brought him to our football club.
"It's just a matter of trying to find the right game and the right intensity for him to play at. He's probably a step closer this week, we looked at him at half-back (VFL), we liked what we saw. Whether we through him in the deep end this week, we're not too sure."
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The Tigers are hoping to break the record crowd between the two sides of 57,616 set last year.
"Hopefully we get some fans there, 60,000-plus would be very, very nice, get a cauldron-like effect so we can give them a Richmond-like welcome when they come onto the ground," Hardwick said.
"I've been to a lot of footy clubs around my time, and I've never quite seen an electric atmosphere that a Richmond fan base can bring."
