Richmond fully realises what’s coming its way in this Saturday afternoon’s Round 22 clash with St Kilda at the MCG.

The Saints have been acclaimed throughout the 2016 season for their capacity to stifle opponents with an intense physical approach.

“Their game’s underpinned by their ability to put pressure on the opposition, so we’re expecting that this week,” Richmond assistant coach Ben Rutten said on this week’s edition of Roar Vision’s ‘Opposition Analysis’.

“We saw last week, up until half-time against a quality team like Sydney, their pressure was as good as anyone’s . . .

“We’ve got to be careful not to overuse the ball . . .

“If the ball gets on the deck, it just invites them to be able to come forward and pressure us.  So our ball use is going to be important.”

From an individual perspective, the red-hot form of star St Kilda midfielder Jack Steven is something significant the Tigers will have to deal with.

Steven is averaging 28 disposals per game this season and he’s ranked second in the competition for inside-50 entries.

“His ability to run, break the line and deliver to their forwards is really important,” Rutten said.

“It’s important to stop that.  We’ll probably spend a bit of time on him, but there’s (David) Armitage and other (St Kilda) players in really good form as well . . .

“They spread really hard, especially from turnover.  Once they win the ball back, guys like Steven and Armitage, they will spread hard out of the contest and give their forwards first use.”  

Richmond also is wary of St Kilda’s potent forward set-up, containing the likes of Tim Membrey, Josh Bruce, Paddy McCartin and Nick Riewoldt (who has spent a bit of time further up the ground, as well, this season).

Membrey has kicked 40 goals in 15 games this season, Bruce has 35 from 20 games, Riewoldt 31 from 19 games, and McCartin 12 from 10 games.

“They’re all really mobile, mark the ball on the lead and have been kicking some goals as well,” Rutten said.

“When you’ve got a lot of good players in your forward line, it’s hard (for the opposition) to keep up, and someone often slips under the radar.  So we’ve got be really conscious of all their forwards.”