SUMMARY
The Tigers face a huge test on the back of a rough start to the season. They have a superb recent record in Perth against both the Eagles and the Dockers but this is a different Eagles side to the 2014 version they beat at Domain Stadium. The biggest task for the Tigers is how to stem the West Coast's scoring power. The Eagles had 32 shots from 63 inside 50 entries last week against the Dockers, while the Tigers gave up 33 shots from 57 entries in their loss to the Crows. Nic Naitanui looms large in the ruck and the Eagles' midfield found some form last week. Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin will have to be at their absolute best this week.
WHERE AND WHEN: Domain Stadium, Friday, April 9, 5.40pm AWST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
The Tigers will want to lift as a unit to end their poor season-starts. Picture: AFL Media
LAST FIVE TIMES
R12, 2015, West Coast Eagles 13.12 (90) d Richmond 10.10 (70) at the MCG
R18, 2014, Richmond 8.11 (59) d West Coast Eagles 6.6 (42) at Domain Stadium
R10, 2013, Richmond 16.7 (103) d West Coast Eagles 8.14 (62) at Domain Stadium
R5, 2012, West Coast Eagles 16.11 (107) d Richmond 14.13 (97) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2011, West Coast Eagles 22.15 (147) d Richmond 14.6 (90) at Domain Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. It was a battle of the midfields when the Eagles defeated the Tigers in 2015. Andrew Gaff, Matt Priddis and Chris Masten all had 25-plus disposals while Dustin Martin and Brandon Ellis each had 31 touches for Richmond.
2. These two teams are in the top three for marks inside 50 in the first three weeks. West Coast is ranked second in the competition with 15.6 per game and Richmond is third with 15.3.
3. The Eagles are the number one ranked ruck division so far in 2016. They average 56 hit-outs per game and Nic Naitanui is ranked fourth among individual ruckman. The Tigers are ranked 11th for hit-outs in the absence of Ivan Maric.
4. West Coast's record against Richmond at Domain Stadium is strong winning 13 games to four. But the Tigers have improved that record recently winning the last two.
5. Richmond has struggled to take the ball inside 50 in 2016. The Tigers are ranked 14th in the AFL with an average of only 49.6 entries, while West Coast is ranked seventh at 53.6 entries per game.
6. Just seven spots separate key forwards Josh Kennedy (44th) and Jack Riewoldt (51th) in the Schick AFL Player Ratings. But Jack Darling (98th) is ranked a long way clear of Richmond's next best key forward Ty Vickery (286th).
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jack Riewoldt
He's played well so far this season without a bag of goals. He kicked a bag oft 10 against West Coast at the MCG in 2010. The Tigers would love a big performance from him this week.
PREDICTION: West Coast by 30 points
