Richmond assistant coach Ben Rutten provides ‘Roar Vision’ with a concise examination of West Coast’s major on-field assets ahead of Saturday afternoon’s big clash at the MCG.

Star spearhead Josh Kennedy

“He always seems to find the scoreboard.  He’s a great presenter up at the footy and, in a very capable forward line, he’s a dangerous player . . . It’s going to be a team responsibility to be able to nullify his influence.  Providing the supply’s there, he’s really good at presenting up at the ball and a terrific set shot at goal.  So he’s one we need to keep an eye on.”

Elite intercept defenders McGovern, Yeo and Barrass

“They’re really confident in the air and back themselves in.  I think McGovern and Yeo have been averaging about five intercept marks a game, which is really high, and it sets up their offense as well . . . We just need to rely on our big, key forwards to compete in the air and bring the ball to ground, because (Dan) Butler, (Jason) Castagna and (Daniel) Rioli, they want the ball on the deck.  So we need to take something away from them (Eagle backs) in the air.”

Hard-running, ‘ball-magnet’ Andrew Gaff

“We’re certainly well aware of his ability to win the ball.  But West Coast bat pretty deep in their midfield and have got some good ball-users . . . He’ll be a part of a number of players we’ll try and slow down through the midfield.”

Potent small forward Mark LeCras

“He’s been playing a little bit deeper this year, which suits ‘Grimesy’ (Dylan Grimes) playing on him.  He’s a great small forward, but he’s also really good in the air.  That’s why you need someone a bit taller (to play on him), and Grimesy suits that type of player.  But, as I said, he’s been playing a bit closer to goal, which means his impact on the scoreboard’s going to be a bit higher.”

Overall strength

“They’re a really well-balanced team, with Kennedy up front, the key backs, and Gaff, Mitchell and Shuey, all really good runners and good ball-users . . . Part of stopping Kennedy is not letting those big guys (defenders) mark the ball and feed it off to their runners.”