SUMMARY
How Richmond responds to a shock 67-point loss to St Kilda will determine whether the result was an aberration or the start of a worrying run of form. The Tigers fell 82 points behind in the opening half and let worrying trends creep into their game, with their pressure and structure, that coach Damien Hardwick will want to eradicate in Sunday's clash against the Brisbane Lions. Chris Fagan's team, meanwhile, suffered its biggest loss of the season just six days after its best win under the new coach. The young team was bullied by Geelong, but Dayne Zorko put in one of the performances of the season with 36 possessions and four goals. Whether he can be more effective than Dustin Martin will be one the key elements of this game.
Follow it live: Tigers v Lions
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, July 16, 1.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
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
R5, 2014, Richmond 15.16 (106) d Brisbane Lions 9.9 (63) at the Gabba
THE SIX POINTS
1. Richmond had its round four clash against the Lions wrapped up by half-time, leading by 42 points. The Lions had more disposals, laid more tackles and won the clearances. Jack Riewoldt and Jason Castagna kicked four goals each.
2. The Tigers conceded 100 points in a game for only the second time this season in their clash against St Kilda in round 16. The Lions have conceded 100 points or more in 12 games.
3. Richmond has dominated the Lions over a long period, winning the past 10 matches, and 14 of the past 16. The Lions last won in round seven, 2009, by 26 points at the MCG.
4. The Lions have struggled to mark the ball inside 50 this season and rank last, averaging only 7.6 a game. The Tigers have been impressive and rank second with an average of 14.1.
5. Not in Richmond’s favour is its accuracy in front of goal this season. The Tigers rank No.17 with an accuracy of 43.6 per cent. The Lions rank equal fifth at 50.3 per cent.
6. Richmond defender Brandon Ellis has been climbing the rankings in the Schick Player Ratings since round nine and is now ranked No.191 overall. He started the year ranked No.263 overall and is his club's No.9 ranked player.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Dion Prestia.
The Richmond midfielder arrived from Gold Coast as a prized recruit but hasn't yet matched his best form from six years with the Suns. His average disposals, clearances, inside 50s and contested possessions are all at five-year lows, and his tackle numbers are at a career low 3.54 a game. Richmond needs him to have a bigger influence on games. If he can do that in the run to the finals, he will improve the team significantly.
PREDICTION: Richmond by 36 points
