SUMMARY
Both teams enter this clash fresh off the bye and leading the competition at first and second on the ladder. The Tigers expect to regain David Astbury and believe Dion Prestia is fit enough after a recent strong training block but Bachar Houli will miss again, while the Swans could have Sam Reid and Lewis Melican available. The Tigers are packing an attacking punch at the moment with Jack Riewoldt fifth in the race for the Coleman Medal and Josh Caddy narrowly behind him at eighth. For the Swans, Lance Franklin has booted at least one goal in every game he's played this season to rank third in the Coleman, and his duel with Alex Rance will go a long way to determining the outcome. The Tigers will also look for continued drive off half-back from Nick Vlastuin and the much-improved Jayden Short, while the Swans will be hoping for another strong showing from youngsters Oliver Florent, Ben Ronke and Tom McCartin.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Thursday, June 28, 7.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R13, 2017, Sydney 12.8 (80) d Richmond 10.11 (71) at the MCG
R23, 2016, Sydney 25.14 (164) d Richmond 7.9 (51) at the SCG
R8, 2016, Richmond 14.17 (101) d Sydney 15.10 (100) at the MCG
R13, 2015, Richmond 14.11 (95) d Sydney 11.11 (77) at the SCG
R23, 2014, Richmond 10.8 (68) d Sydney 9.11 (65) at ANZ Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Swans stole the contest when these sides last met in round 13, 2017. The Tigers led by 36 points in the second quarter before conceding nine goals to three in the second half to go down by nine.
2. The Tigers' strong attack is reflected in their stats; they rank second for inside 50s and marks inside 50 in the competition. In comparison, the Swans are 10th and eighth in the same categories.
3. However, the Swans have won the last two clashes between the sides, which ended the Tigers' run of three straight victories between 2014-16. Four of the last five have been decided by three goals or fewer.
4. They're nearly even when it comes to contested possessions this season. The Swans are seventh with an average of 147.7 per game while the Tigers are eighth with 147.3.
5. But, no team has finished games better than the premiers. They've won 10 of 13 final quarters and are +155 in that term. The Swans have also performed well late in games and are +71 for fourth quarters.
6. It's the type of big-stage, top-of-the-table clash that will suit a refreshed Jack Higgins. The passionate Tiger has been on an upward curve in the Official AFL Player Ratings, brought to you by Schick, but fans will be keen for him to improve his first-year player ranking of 13th in the second half of the season.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR…
Alex Rance. It'll be another marquee match up with Franklin, who kicked just one goal against the Tigers last year – with Rance best on ground – but booted bags of five and seven against them in 2016. If Astbury doesn't get up, Rance will have an even bigger job on his hands with Buddy no doubt keen to atone for last season's performance.
PREDICTION: Richmond by 11 points
