THESE two teams have underperformed this year and this game is an important test as both are trying to prove they are improving late in the season. The Tigers beat Port Adelaide impressively before the bye while the Eagles outlasted the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba. The Tigers stunned West Coast at Patersons Stadium last year, kicking six goals to none in the second term to set-up a 41-point win. The Eagles will have the added motivation of Dean Cox's looming retirement. Both sides have struggled in key indicators this year. Both teams are ranked in the bottom eight for inside 50s, tackles and contested possessions this season.
WHERE AND WHEN: Patersons Stadium, Friday July 25, 6.40pm AWST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R10, 2013, Richmond 16.7 (103) d West Coast 8.14 (62) at Patersons 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 Patersons Stadium
R12, 2010, Richmond 19.12 (126) d West Coast 11.11 (77) at MCG
R22, 2009, West Coast 17.23 (125) d Richmond 6.9 (45) at Patersons Stadium
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THE SIX POINTS
1. Richmond’s defeat of West Coast at Patersons Stadium last year was arare win at the venue for the Tigers. The clubs have met here 16 times,with the Eagles winning 13 of the clashes.
2. West Coast is ranked 10th in the AFL for inside 50s this season andRichmond 11th – both one place higher than they stand on the ladder. TheEagles are averaging 49.9 inside 50s a game, the Tigers 49.7.
3. Richmond has struggled in contested possession this season. TheTigers are ranked 14th with an average of 134.2 a game. West Coast isranked eighth at 140.4.
4. Richmond has been a poor tackling side this year, ranked 15th with anaverage of 64.2 per game. West Coast is seventh for tackles at 68 agame.
5. Tiger forward Jack Riewoldt has played eight times against the Eaglesfor four wins and four losses. He kicked 10 goals at the MCG inmid-2010 against West Coast and has booted four or more three othertimes. Yet, excluding that 2010 haul, his average against the Eagles isbelow his career average.
6. Neither team has a player ranked in the top 40 of the Official AFL Player Ratings. Nic Naitanui is the highest ranked Eagle at 41, having dropped outsidethe top 40 for the first time since round 10, 2012. Brett Deledio is thehighest ranked Tiger at 53.
Prediction: West Coast by six points
