SUMMARY
This Richmond side isn't accustomed to losing and after a tight contest with Greater Western Sydney last week, it will be confident about beating St Kilda. That's fair, considering the Saints' struggles this season, but they have looked better in recent weeks. Jack Steven is in impressive form, Seb Ross will return from gastro while Jade Gresham will be hoping to repeat his feats from last time he faced the Tigers, when he bagged six goals. Richmond is a proud team though and its ultra-impressive backline will be determined to ensure that Gresham doesn’t get loose again. The midfield battle should give Damien Hardwick's outfit an edge. Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin and Shane Edwards headline the onball division, with plenty of other reinforcements running through there. Meanwhile, St Kilda big man Tom Hickey will face a tough challenge when he comes up against Toby Nankervis. The Saints have chopped and changed their ruckmen this year, so Hickey will want to make the spot his own.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Friday, July 20, 7.50PM AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R10, 2018, Richmond 15.15 (105) d St Kilda 12.5 (77) at the MCG
R23, 2017, Richmond 19.8 (122) d St Kilda 12.9 (81) at the MCG
R16, 2017, St Kilda 21.12 (138) d Richmond 10.11 (71) at Etihad Stadium
R22, 2016, St Kilda 7.13 (55) d Richmond 6.10 (46) at the MCG
R16, 2015, Richmond 13.11 (89) d St Kilda 10.13 (73) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Saints led by 12 points midway through the third term earlier this season before Richmond kicked nine of the last 13 goals. Josh Caddy booted six for the Tigers.
2. St Kilda is ranked third for disposals per game with 389.4. In contrast, Richmond is ranked 14th, averaging 367.9.
3. The Tigers have dominated St Kilda recently, winning eight of the past 10 contests. That came after the Saints had 10 wins from 11 games in 2005-11.
4. Richmond is one of the best defensive teams this season, conceding only 71 points per match, and have given up 100 in a game only twice. St Kilda has given up 94 points per match.
5. Richmond hasn't lost consecutive games since rounds eight and nine last season, while St Kilda will be looking for successive wins for just the second time this year.
6. Shane Edwards has been a big riser for the Tigers in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, going up from No.57 at the start of the season to No.27 ahead of the clash with the Saints.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR… Jack Steele.
He's been playing the run-with role in recent weeks and an assignment on Dustin Martin could be coming his way.
PREDICTION: Richmond by 37 points.
