Monday night football heads west and it looms as a critical match for two teams with heavy expectations on them. West Coast has not beaten a team inside the top eight, and Richmond has only beaten Carlton among those in the eight after round nine. The Tigers were bitterly disappointing against Essendon last weekend but will take some confidence from their last trip to Patersons Stadium, when they nearly beat Fremantle in round five. West Coast boasts the fourth best attack in the competition compared to the Tigers, who are ranked 10th. Yet Richmond has two players, Jack Riewoldt and Shane Edwards, ranked in top 20 forwards in the Official AFL Player Ratings, whilst West Coast have none.
WHERE AND WHEN: Patersons Stadium, Monday June 3, 5.40pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
LAST FIVE TIMES
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 the MCG
R22, 2009: West Coast 17.23 (125) d Richmond 6.9 (45) at Patersons Stadium
R12, 2009: Richmond 13.14 (92) d West Coast 11.11 (77) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The sides have met at Patersons Stadium 15 times, with West Coast winning 13 times.
2. Riewoldt enjoys a good record against the Eagles, kicking 23 goals in seven games, including a career-high 10 in round 12 2010 at the MCG.
3. West Coast and Richmond have met once before on a Monday night, in round eight, 2007, at the MCG, with the Tigers winning by 52 points.
4. Tackling could be the difference. West Coast is ranked second in 2013 for tackles laid; Richmond is ranked last.
5. West Coast is ranked second for total hit-outs this season; the Tigers are equal 13th.
6. Jack Riewoldt is the fifth-ranked forward in AFL player ratings, West Coast's highest-ranked forward is Josh Hill (22nd).
