SUMMARY
The tide hasn't just turned at Tigerland, the team is now riding a tidal wave of momentum that has it in contention for the top four. With away wins against Fremantle, Port Adelaide and now the Sydney Swans, the Tigers have a 7-5 record and sit sixth on the ladder. They are a settled team with top form. The Giants, meanwhile, have slipped to ninth after back-to-back losses and are still coming to terms with the loss of influential ruckman Shane Mumford.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, July 4, 1.40pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FOUR
R19, 2014, Richmond 13.11 (89) d GWS Giants 8.14 (62) at the MCG
R10, 2014, Richmond 24.10 (154) d GWS Giants 5.11 (41) at Spotless Stadium
R22, 2013, Richmond 25.13 (163) d GWS Giants 6.6 (42) at Spotless Stadium
R12, 2012, Richmond 11.20 (86) d GWS Giants 12.2 (74) at Spotless Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Richmond's midfield dominated the last time these sides met, with Brandon Ellis having 34 possessions, Brett Deledio 31 and Trent Cotchin 30.
2. The Tigers average 13.2 marks inside 50 a game this season, with power forward Jack Riewoldt averaging 3.4 – equal third highest in the AFL.
3. Richmond has a 4-0 record against GWS, with two wins by more than 100 points. Riewoldt has kicked 16 goals in the four games, with a bag of 11 early last season.
4. The Giants average 127.1 contested possessions a game this season – the fewest in the AFL. The Tigers are 14th with 134.9 a game.
5. The Giants have played eight games at the MCG, with only one win late – last season against Melbourne. However, they have four wins from seven games outside Sydney this season.
6. Giants midfielder Dylan Shiel is now No.51 in the Official AFL Player Ratings after starting the season at No.122.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Ryan Griffen
After some lean weeks, the senior midfielder was on the way up before the Giants' bye. He needs to continue that form in the absence of ruckman Shane Mumford to help his younger teammates in the middle of the ground. Griffen has averaged 3.7 tackles and 3.6 clearances a game this year, which should improve if his recent form continues.
PREDICTION: Richmond by 36 points
