SUMMARY This might be a clash of 12th versus sixth but it shapes as one of matches of the round. North can all but kiss its finals chances goodbye if it drops this game, while the Tigers have a great opportunity to continue their push for a top-four spot. Richmond will deservedly start favourite, but North's good recent record against the Tigers will give it confidence it can cause an upset.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday July 6, 2.10pm (AEST)
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
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
R16, 2010, North Melbourne 15.13 (103) d Richmond 7.11 (53) at the MCG
R16, 2009, Richmond 12.13 (85) drew North Melbourne 12.13 (85) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Kangaroos have had the better of the Tigers recently, winning three of their past four clashes and five of the past eight.
2. Four of the teams' past five clashes have been decided by less than three goals.
3. North Melbourne and Richmond have scored heavily in 2013, both ranked equal fourth in the competition for goals (192).
4. Richmond is ranked last in the AFL for tackles this season, averaging 53.2 a game. North is ranked 12th with 60.8 tackles a game.
5. North is the number one ranked team for free kicks received this season (298), while Richmond is ranked seventh (249).
6. North veteran Brent Harvey (14th) is highest ranked player from either team in the Official AFL Player Ratings, with Richmond midfielders Brett Deledio (17th) and Trent Cotchin (21st) the next best.
