SUMMARY
The Tigers are motoring along nicely, having lost just one game since round 18. They weren't at their best against Essendon on Saturday night but still managed to triumph in wet conditions without their skipper Trent Cotchin, who should return from a back injury this week. After Geelong's loss to Collingwood last Friday night locked the top eight, the Kangaroos can't slip out of the finals and could move as high as fifth with a big win over the Tigers and if other results involving the Western Bulldogs and Adelaide go their way. They lost to the Dogs on Saturday but had won seven straight games before that.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Friday September 4, 7.50pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R6, 2015, North Melbourne 16.13 (109) d Richmond 10.14 (74) at Blundstone Arena
R12, 2014, North Melbourne 17.14 (116) d Richmond 13.10 (88) at Etihad Stadium
R15, 2013, North Melbourne 19.14 (128) d Richmond 8.18 (66) at Etihad Stadium
R17, 2012, North Melbourne 15.13 (103) d Richmond 14.15 (99) at the MCG
R24, 2011, North Melbourne 15.14 (104) d Richmond 13.13 (91) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Lindsay Thomas is a chance to return this week, which will be a boost for the Roos after he was the difference between the sides in round six with five goals.
2. It was a telling third quarter in that game. North set up the win with seven goals to one, despite Richmond amassing more disposals and inside 50s with turnovers hurting the Tigers badly.
3. Both sides have struggled in clearances in 2015; the Kangaroos are 12th with an average of 38.8 per game while the Tigers are 15th with 36.2.
4. This will be the first Friday night clash between the teams since 2003. They've faced off 11 times at Etihad Stadium with the Kangaroos winning eight of those games.
5. It could be a busy night for the umpires, given these are the top two ranked sides for free kicks for; Richmond is first with an average of 22.2 ahead of North with 20 per game.
6. It's no surprise Todd Goldstein is rated the No.1 ruckman in the competition but he's also the Kangaroos' top player in the Official AFL Player Ratings, and fourth overall in the competition.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Ben Cunnington. With the midfield beaten by the Bulldogs last week, the Kangaroos need to respond, especially Cunnington, who was tagged out of the contest by Liam Picken and kept to 13 possessions.
PREDICTION: Richmond by 10 points
