SUMMARY
The game's two best key defenders – Robbie Tarrant and Alex Rance – will have crucial roles at either end as the Kangaroos and Tigers lock horns in a season-defining clash for each team. Richmond shook its late-match woes against Essendon on Saturday night to snap a four-match losing slide. But the Tigers will also need to end their North Melbourne hoodoo, which includes seven losses in eight outings, to continue their top-four push. The Roos' ability to at least break even with Richmond through the midfield will be critical to their chances. Dustin Martin – a North recruiting target – Trent Cotchin and Brandon Ellis were pivotal in the victory over the Bombers. Ben Cunnington had a big last quarter to will North across the line against Carlton, but was otherwise quiet. Whichever Cunnington turns up, Shaun Higgins and captain Jack Ziebell will need to maintain their good form.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, June 3, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: http://www.afl.com.au/tv-radio/broadcastguide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R11, 2016, North Melbourne 18.16 (124) d Richmond 7.12 (54) at Blundstone Arena
1EF, 2015, North Melbourne 15.15 (105) d Richmond 14.4 (88) at the MCG
R23, 2015, Richmond 16.12 (108) d North Melbourne 10.7 (67) at Etihad Stadium
R6, 2015, North Melbourne 16.13 (109) d Richmond 10.14 (74) at Blundstone Arena
R12, 2014, North Melbourne 17.14 (116) d Richmond 13.10 (88) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Twenty-five points separated the sides at half-time when they met in 2016, but the Kangaroos kicked 11 goals to four in the second half to run away with the contest. North dominated the inside 50s (72-41) despite losing the clearances (35-43).
2. The Tigers' defence has been one of the stingiest in 2017, ranked third for conceding only 81 points per game. The Roos are one of the highest-scoring sides this season, ranked sixth with 96 points per match.
3. North has won seven of its last eight matches against Richmond, including two victories by more than 60 points. The Tigers' last victory was in round 23, 2015.
4. The Tigers have been prolific this season in taking the ball inside 50, ranking third with an average of 57.7 per game, ahead of the Kangaroos in equal eighth with an average of 54.4.
5. Heavily in North Melbourne’s favour is its record against Richmond at Etihad Stadium, winning eight games to four, including three of the last four.
6. The Year of Dusty continues, with Richmond superstar Dustin Martin breaking into the Schick AFL Player Ratings top 10 for the first time, courtesy of his best-on-ground display in the Dreamtime at the 'G match on Saturday night.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jarrad Waite and Ben Brown
The Roos' tall-forward pairing have each had great individual displays throughout the season, but if they can fire collectively it will force Richmond star Alex Rance to adopt a more defensive mindset. There is no reason Waite and Brown can't successfully co-exist, given their contrasting skillsets and styles.
PREDICTION: Richmond by 8 points
