SUMMARY
At 1-6, there appears little hope going into Saturday night's clash that the Tigers will revive their season and play finals. They are no longer expected to challenge opposition like the Swans, but Damien Hardwick's men have proved in past seasons that their form can change in an instant. The return of All Australian defender Alex Rance and captain Trent Cotchin will give the club optimism that a reversal of fortune can still happen. They are facing one of the AFL's form teams in the Swans, with John Longmire's men coming off a sixth win in seven games. Superstar Lance Franklin has been a key to their imposing form and, with 29 goals this season, he is the man the Tigers must make a priority, with the midfield battle also crucial.
Buddy's form, and self-assuredness, is at a high. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, May 10, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R13, 2015, Richmond 14.11 (95) d Sydney Swans 11.11 (77) at the SCG
R23, 2014, Richmond 10.8 (68) d Sydney Swans 9.11 (65) at ANZ Stadium
R14, 2014, Sydney Swans 9.8 (62) d Richmond 7.9 (51) at the MCG
R18, 2013, Sydney Swans 16.14 (110) d Richmond 9.9 (63) at the SCG
R7, 2012, Richmond 13.13 (91) d Sydney Swans 8.14 (62) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Jack Riewoldt was the star in a brilliant fightback the last time these sides met, kicking six goals to reel in a 32-point half-time margin. Richmond kicked 11 goals to three in the second half to win.
2. The Swans continue to dominate their opposition in inside 50s, ranked first in the AFL with an average of 65.1. In contrast, Richmond is ranked 16th with an average of 47.1 a game.
3. The Swans are the number one contested possession team so far in 2016, averaging 166.4 per game. Richmond, which prided itself on contested ball in 2015, is struggling in this area, ranked equal 11th with 138.9 per game.
4. Richmond has won three of the last four MCG clashes between these sides. The Swans, who play their first game at the venue in 2016, won their only two matches at the MCG in 2015.
5. The Swans are the third ranked scoring side in 2016 averaging 111 points a game, well up on their 2015 average of 88. Richmond is kicking 81 points a game this season compared to 87 in 2015.
6. Swans midfielder Luke Parker is on a continuous climb up the Official AFL Player Ratings, brought to you by Schick, jumping from No.20 overall to No.18 in round seven. He has been the Swans' No.3 ranked player since round 17 last season.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Bachar Houli.
The rebounding defender has been subdued this season and the Tigers have been moving him around to try and spark his form. He spent time forward last Friday night against the Hawks and has had kick-in duties taken off him for periods this season. With the spotlight on others, Houli, who is an important cog when at his best, will feel the pinch if his own form doesn't improve quickly.
PREDICTION: Sydney Swans by 36 points
