SUMMARY
With Richmond 4-0 and West Coast 3-1 over the past four games, Friday night's clash looms as a battle of two of the AFL's most in-form teams. Richmond, which has turned its season around with a less frantic game style, is fresh off a bye while the Eagles made short work of Essendon with a 50-point win in round 11. This will be the Eagles' only chance to play on the MCG before an expected finals berth. It will be the Tigers' seventh clash at their home venue this season.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Friday, June 19, 7.50pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R18, 2014, Richmond 8.11 (59) d West Coast 6.6 (42) at Domain Stadium
R10, 2013, Richmond 16.7 (103) d West Coast 8.14 (62) at Domain Stadium
R5, 2012, West Coast 16.11 (107) d Richmond 14.13 (97) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2011, West Coast 22.15 (147) d Richmond 14.6 (90) at Domain Stadium
R12, 2010, Richmond 19.12 (126) d West Coast 11.11 (77) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Richmond’s midfield was the difference in wet conditions against West Coast when the sides clashed in 2014. Brandon Ellis had 27 possessions with support from Brett Deledio (26) and Dustin Martin (25 and two goals).
2. The Eagles continue to be the No.1 scoring side in 2015, kicking an average score of 106.5 points a game. The Tigers are a long way back, kicking 85.9 points a match.
3. This will be the 40th clash between these sides and West Coast holds the advantage winning 23 games to 16. The ledger sits at 2-2 since 2011.
4. Richmond will be aiming for its fifth consecutive win. Since round seven they’ve kicked an average score of 87 points while keeping their opposition to only 68 points a game.
5. The Tigers and Eagles last clashed at the MCG in round 12, 2010, with Richmond winning by 49 points. In total they have played 14 times at the venue for seven wins each.
6. Shaun Grigg is on the cusp of breaking into the top 200 in the Official AFL Player Ratings for the first time since round 12, 2013. Grigg has enjoyed a fine season and is currently ranked No.210 overall and No.12 at Richmond.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Will Schofield. The Eagles' defenders have held up well in the absence of key defenders Mitch Brown and Eric Mackenzie, but a three-pronged Richmond forward line is looming. The entire West Coast backline could find itself under siege, with Jeremy McGovern in doubt due to a corked thigh.
PREDICTION: Richmond by 12 points
