SUMMARY
RICHMOND experienced its first hiccup in 'Big Boy Month' following a shattering defeat to Fremantle last round and the Tigers' top-four hopes could now hinge on upsetting the rampaging Hawks. The Tigers will take some confidence from two wins over Alastair Clarkson's men in the past three seasons, but this year's breed of Hawks will take some stopping. The formidable outfit swept aside Carlton last Friday night, inflicting a record 138-point loss on the Blues. The Hawks will be gunning for nine straight wins and are eyeing a top-two finish to set up their tilt at a premiership three-peat.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Friday, July 31, 7.50pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
PAST FIVE TIMES
R6, 2014, Hawthorn 18.10 (118) d Richmond 7.10 (52) at the MCG
R19, 2013, Richmond 16.11 (107) d Hawthorn 9.12 (66) at the MCG
R9, 2012, Richmond 21.11 (137) d Hawthorn 10.15 (75) at the MCG
R3, 2011, Hawthorn 17.13 (115) d Richmond 6.16 (52) at the MCG
R8, 2010, Hawthorn 13.11 (89) d Richmond 13.8 (86) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Hawthorn has moved up a gear in the past three games, booting 67 goals to their opponents' 17 and winning by an average margin of 100 points.
2. Inaccuracy came back to haunt Richmond in its four-point loss to Fremantle. The Tigers are ranked 16th for goalkicking accuracy this season at 46.8 per cent (191.194). Hawthorn is ranked second, kicking at 54.2 per cent.
3. The Hawks retain possession better than any team in the AFL. They average the most kicks (227) and uncontested disposals (262) per game.
4. Richmond and Port Adelaide are the only teams to have a winning record against Hawthorn in their past three meetings. The Tigers and Power have both won two of the last three against the back-to-back premiers.
5. Hawthorn has won four of six games at the MCG so far in 2015 while Richmond is five wins from nine games. The Hawks play three more games at the Grand Final venue, while the Tigers have four appearances at the 'G on the run home.
6. It's often said that Brett Deledio's form reflects the Tigers' fortunes. That's shown in the Official AFL Player Ratings, with the star rising 28 spots up to 45th overall in the past 11 rounds.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jack Riewoldt. The Tigers' talisman punched the MCG turf after the narrow loss to Fremantle, when he was held to just 11 touches and 1.2. For Richmond to beat Hawthorn, the star forward needs to channel his anger towards a big performance.
PREDICTION: Hawthorn by 13 points.
