Richmond has a great recent record against the Western Bulldogs having won the past three encounters by an average margin of 66 points. The Bulldogs haven't beaten the Tigers since round eight, 2011 and unless they can find a suitable target up forward their losing trend against the Tigers looks set to continue. The Bulldogs didn't have a single multiple goal kicker in their loss to North Melbourne last Sunday with key forwards Liam Jones and Jake Stringer held to one major each. Their pressure was good in patches but their skill execution needs huge improvement against the Tigers this Saturday if they are to have any chance of breaking through for their first win of the season. Richmond held off a fast finishing Carlton last Thursday night and has since had an eight-day break ahead of this clash. With a strong midfield and the likes of Tyrone Vickery and Jack Riewoldt up forward, the Tigers will be able to stretch the Bulldogs defence.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday April 5, 1.45pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R13, 2013, Richmond 17.19 (121) d Western Bulldogs 8.13 (61) at Etihad Stadium
R3, 2013, Richmond 20.15 (135) d Western Bulldogs 10.8 (68) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2012, Richmond 22.18 (150) d Western Bulldogs 12.8 (80) at the MCG
R8, 2011, Western Bulldogs 23.15 (153) d Richmond 18.10 (118) at Etihad Stadium
R2, 2010, Western Bulldogs 17.18 (120) d Richmond 7.6 (48) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Richmond thrashed the Bulldogs twice last season at Etihad Stadium, recording wins by 67 and 60 points in rounds three and 13.
2. Both teams are ranked in the top five in the League for disposals. The Tigers are fourth averaging 378 disposals per game, while the Bulldogs are fifth with 370.5 possessions per game.
3. Richmond has won the past three clashes against the Bulldogs by an average margin of 66 points.
4. At Etihad Stadium, Richmond holds a narrow advantage over the Bulldogs winning six games to five with one draw.
5. The Tigers are struggling in tackles so far in 2014 and are ranked 16th in the League with 59.5 per game, while the Dogs are ranked 12th averaging 79 tackles per game.
6. Next to captain Ryan Griffen, Tom Liberatore is the second-highest ranked Bulldogs player in the AFL's Official Rankings at 32. He cramped badly in the final term in the loss to North Melbourne but should be fit and ready for this game.
Prediction: Richmond by 32 points
