SUMMARY
North Melbourne and Richmond were both widely viewed as top-four contenders ahead of this season, but the loser of this game will slump to a miserable 2-4 start. As unconvincing as both teams have been at times in the first five rounds, North has had a far harder draw, having played three 2014 finalists compared to one for the Tigers. The Roos have also had the wood over Richmond in recent years, winning five of their past six clashes, while the Tigers will be playing at Blundstone Arena for the first time. North enjoys playing at its Hobart 'home' and its 4-2 record there suggests it should claim a much-needed win.
WHERE AND WHEN: Blundstone Arena, Saturday, May 9, 1.45pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
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
R5, 2011, Richmond 17.10 (112) d North Melbourne 14.19 (103) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. It was a see-sawing game the last time these teams clashed in round 12 last year. Richmond dominated the first half to lead by 35 points at half-time, while the Kangaroos hit back in the second half with 13 goals to three to win by 28 points.
2. North ruckman Todd Goldstein leads the competition in hit-outs this year (203 at 40.6 a game) while Richmond counterpart Ivan Maric is 10th with 143 hitouts at 28.6 a game.
3. If North defeats Richmond this round it will be first time the Roos have defeated the Tigers in five consecutive games since 1995-97.
4. The Kangaroos are ranked 18th for tackles this season, averaging 50 a game, with the Tigers ranked 11th (62.6 a game).
5. This will be just the second premiership game the Tigers have played in Tasmania. Their first was in 2006 against Hawthorn at Aurora Stadium.
6. Richmond has received more free kicks than any other team in 2015 (25.4 a game), while North Melbourne is ranked equal fifth (20.8).
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR…
Damien Hardwick. Richmond sits 2-3 and 11th on the ladder after a relatively easy start to the season, and the coach will know blowtorches with his name on them are being warmed up. Following this game, the Tigers take on Port Adelaide (Adelaide Oval), Essendon and Fremantle (Domain Stadium) before their round 11 bye. It's a tough draw and Hardwick will be determined that his team doesn't dig itself an early-season hole like last year. To avoid this, the Tigers need to emerge from the next month with at least two wins. A victory against the Roos would be a good start.
PREDICTION: North Melbourne by 15 points.
