Head to head: Richmond 81 wins, North Melbourne 64 wins, two draws
Last time: Richmond 12.13 (85) drew with North Melbourne 12.13 (85), round 16, 2009 at the MCG
MISSING IN ACTION
Richmond
Matt Dea (foot) - indefinite
Nathan Foley (leg) - season
Ben Griffiths (shoulder) - season
Tom Hislop (patella) - indefinite
Luke McGuane (ankle) - test
Adam Thompson (groin) - season
North Melbourne
Liam Anthony (shoulder) - 3-4 weeks
Aaron Black (hip) - indefinite
Majak Daw (knee) - 2 weeks
Cruize Garlett (calf) - 3-4 weeks
Nathan Grima (ankle) - test
Scott McMahon (knee) - 2-3 weeks
Drew Petrie (foot) - indefinite
Ben Ross (hip/groin) - indefinite
Jack Ziebell (leg) - indefinite
FORM
Richmond: LWWWW
North Melbourne: WWWLL
SUMMARY
A month ago this fixture shaped as one few people would care about. But all of a sudden the Tigers have become one of the most exciting teams in the competition. After losing their first nine games, they have won their past four, the streak including thrilling wins over top-eight sides the Sydney Swans and Fremantle in the last two weeks. First-year midfielder Dustin Martin has been a revelation in recent weeks, while Jack Riewoldt is the league’s leading goalkicker, having booted 58 in his 15 appearances. North Melbourne, meanwhile, remains very much in finals contention, despite a last-start loss to the Swans. Brad Scott’s men are currently ninth on the ladder - one win and 20 per cent behind eighth-placed Hawthorn. But having lost key position player Drew Petrie to yet another foot injury, the Kangaroos will have their work cut out to snatch a spot in September.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Most Richmond supporters thought that Jake King would be spending most of his time in the VFL this year. Instead, King has played eight games, and while his form has been erratic, his manic attack on the ball seems to have impressed. If King plays he’ll make it, at long last, to 50 games.
Young ruckman/forward Todd Goldstein has improved greatly this season and looks set to be a very important player for the Kangaroos for many years. He was the Roos’ second-best player last weekend against the Swans, booting two goals and taking a couple of gutsy marks.
QUESTION MARKS
Can the Tigers keep winning? It’s been an extraordinary mid-season run from a side that many predicted would fail to win a match for the whole season.
Is North Melbourne a genuine finals contender? While they’re just a game out of the eight, after 15 tough games they might be about to drop their bundle.
