The Suns have a perfect record from two matches in North Queensland, with a 15-point win in 2011 and an after-the-siren triumph last year courtesy of Karmichael Hunt.
Superstar Ablett still improving: Hardwick
Richmond were heavy favourites both times, particularly last year when Gold Coast entered the round 16 match winless.
Suns coach McKenna expects a completely different Tigers outfit on Saturday.
Richmond were heavy favourites both times, particularly last year when Gold Coast entered the round 16 match winless.
Suns coach McKenna expects a completely different Tigers outfit on Saturday.
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Not only will they be desperate to win the last of three home matches sold to Cairns, but also to turn around last week's 62-point loss against North Melbourne.
"We've had a good record up here against Richmond," McKenna said on Thursday.
"Probably through a lack of, I wouldn't say respect, but an opportunity to rest players. I can't see them doing that this time around given the last two results.
"I'm sure any club in the first two years would have treated us the same given our results.
"We know they're going to come out snorting."
Gold Coast have been buoyed by the availability of captain Gary Ablett who has recovered from a calf injury that kept him out of last week's loss against the Brisbane Lions.
One player who won't be playing though is Hunt.
After missing seven matches with hamstring tendonitis, the hero of last year's win was rushed back against Adelaide two weeks ago.
He struggled badly and was subbed at three quarter-time with just two disposals.
Hunt missed last week with a calf injury, and McKenna said he would have to come back through the reserves.
"It was probably an error on my behalf (bringing him back so quickly)," McKenna said.
"This time around, on the back of 15 to 20 possessions (in the reserves) and him hitting the ball hard, he'll get his opportunity again."
Michael Whiting is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
Not only will they be desperate to win the last of three home matches sold to Cairns, but also to turn around last week's 62-point loss against North Melbourne.
"We've had a good record up here against Richmond," McKenna said on Thursday.
"Probably through a lack of, I wouldn't say respect, but an opportunity to rest players. I can't see them doing that this time around given the last two results.
"I'm sure any club in the first two years would have treated us the same given our results.
"We know they're going to come out snorting."
Gold Coast have been buoyed by the availability of captain Gary Ablett who has recovered from a calf injury that kept him out of last week's loss against the Brisbane Lions.
One player who won't be playing though is Hunt.
After missing seven matches with hamstring tendonitis, the hero of last year's win was rushed back against Adelaide two weeks ago.
He struggled badly and was subbed at three quarter-time with just two disposals.
Hunt missed last week with a calf injury, and McKenna said he would have to come back through the reserves.
"It was probably an error on my behalf (bringing him back so quickly)," McKenna said.
"This time around, on the back of 15 to 20 possessions (in the reserves) and him hitting the ball hard, he'll get his opportunity again."
Michael Whiting is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
