SUMMARY
Essendon will take on a Richmond side that has recaptured its confidence after critical back-to-back wins in the last two weeks. The Tigers followed their after-the-siren win over the Sydney Swans in round eight with a comprehensive victory over Fremantle in Perth last weekend. With skipper Trent Cotchin back at the helm and in good form, Damien Hardwick's side looks more settled than it did during its six-game losing streak from round two to seven. The Bombers continue to struggle to score and fell away after half-time last week against St Kilda to drop their seventh game in a row. John Worsfold's team is finding it hard to string together four competitive quarters with a makeshift line-up this year, which leaves it exposed against the opposition most weeks.
Michael Hartley will face a big task on Jack Riewoldt. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, May 28, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R22, 2015, Richmond 10.14 (74) d Essendon 7.5 (47) at the MCG
R9, 2015, Richmond 10.12 (72) d Essendon 8.11 (59) at the MCG
R20, 2014, Richmond 14.11 (95) d Essendon 11.11 (77) at the MCG
R11, 2014, Essendon 15.14 (104) d Richmond 7.12 (54) at the MCG
R23, 2013, Richmond 15.14 (104) d Essendon 9.11 (65) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Bombers will need to lift their scoring if they're to beat the Tigers this week. Essendon is ranked last for points scored this season, averaging only 60 points a game.
2. This week will be the 198th meeting between the two clubs. Essendon has won 104 games to Richmond's 89, with four draws. Since 2012 it's five wins to three to the Tigers' way.
3. The annual Dreamtime at the 'G was first played in 2006, with the 10 meetings split mostly in Essendon's favour. The Bombers have won six of the contests, and three of the last four.
4. The Bombers have proved to be a high handballing side this year, ranking second in the competition (averaging 191 a game). The Tigers play in a contrasting style, averaging 159 handballs a game (ranking 15th).
5. Richmond captain Trent Cotchin returned to the Tigers' line-up last week in brilliant touch, gathering a career-high 39 disposals (including 18 contested possessions). He had missed the previous two weeks with a fractured cheekbone.
6. Zach Merrett's ascent as a midfielder has been reflected in the Schick Official AFL Player Ratings. The Essendon youngster has jumped to No.122 on the overall list after starting the year ranked 151.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Michael Hartley. The Bombers defender has impressed in his first year at the club and will face another big challenge in the backline this year faced against Jack Riewoldt.
PREDICTION: Richmond by 36 points
