The Swans returned from their trip to Perth with a 34-point triumph over West Coast, taking their winning streak to four games. Geelong's upset loss to Adelaide also means the Swans are now just two points behind Essendon and Geelong in the race for second place, with a much better percentage. With the top two sides, Hawthorn and the Bombers, meeting on Friday night, there is an opportunity for the Swans to strengthen their bid for a place at the top of the ladder with a victory over the Tigers.
But Richmond will head to Sydney full of confidence and still with an outside shot at a top-four berth itself. The Tigers' 27-point victory over Fremantle on Sunday was their biggest scalp of the year and left them just two points behind the fifth-placed Dockers. If Damien Hardwick's side wants to stay make up further ground on the top four, and reinforce just how much it has improved, knocking off the premiers on their home deck would do the trick.
WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Sunday, July 28, 4.40pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R7, 2012, Richmond 13.13 (91) d Sydney Swans 8.14 (62) at the MCG
R21, 2011, Richmond 14.15 (99) d Sydney Swans 7.14 (56) at the MCG
R12, 2011, Sydney Swans 9.21 (75) d Richmond 9.11 (65) at the SCG
R14, 2010, Richmond 14.5 (89) d Sydney Swans 12.13 (85) at the MCG
R3, 2010, Sydney Swans 16.15 (111) d Richmond 7.14 (56) at the SCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Despite their contrasting fortunes in recent years, the Tigers have a strong record against the Swans, winning three of the past four games, including a 29-point victory over the eventual premiers in round seven last year.
2. It is a different story at the SCG, however, where the Swans have won six straight against Richmond. The Tigers' last victory at the ground was in round seven, 2004.
3. Overall, Richmond holds a clear head-to-head advantage, winning 103 matches to the Swans' 83. There has also been one draw, at Lake Oval way back in 1937.
4. Dynamic duo Josh Kennedy and Kieren Jack are the highest rated Swans in the Official AFL Player Ratings, sitting sixth and eighth overall. For the Tigers, Brett Deledio (23rd) and Trent Cotchin (24th) lead the way.
5. The Swans are the AFL's second-best defensive side this season, conceding an average of 73 points per game. Richmond has improved drastically in that area too, sitting third with 81 points per game.
6. If Richmond is any chance of ending a nine-year winless drought at the SCG, it will need to lift its tackling intensity. The Tigers are ranked last in the AFL for tackles, while the Swans sit first overall.
