Richmond assistant coach Ben Rutten rates key Tiger big man Ivan Maric’s battle with Port Adelaide counterpart Matthew Lobbe as a pivotal factor in Saturday night’s important Round 6 clash at the MCG.

Maric toiled hard in his first senior appearance of the season, against Melbourne’s rising ruck star Max Gawn last Sunday evening, but was beaten by his younger, bigger, more mobile opponent.

He should, however, be better for the run, and appreciate coming up against an opponent this week, who is the same height (200cm) and similar build.

“The ruck duel’s always important, because it gives the midfielders first look,” Rutten told Tiger great Matthew Richardson on this week’s edition of Roar Vision’s ‘Opposition Analysis’.

“This is an area which I think both teams would like a bit of a lift from . . .  

“It will be an important contest to determining the result of the game.

“The way the game’s played, whoever gets it in their forward line allows their defence to set up behind the ball, which makes a big difference.”

Port Adelaide’s rebounding defender Jasper Pittard also figures prominently in Richmond’s plans for Sunday night’s match.

“We’re well aware of the amount of territory he gains with his possessions,” Rutten said.

“He’s a long, penetrating kick, he also runs and carries and bounces.  So we need to take that away from him. 

“Our forwards, as much as want them kicking goals, they’ve also got a responsibility to start our defence.”

And, the Tigers fully expect Port Adelaide star Robbie Gray to bounce back after an unusually quiet game against Geelong last round, where he picked up only 11 disposals.

“He’s a real barometer for them as a team,” Rutten said.

“He’s a quality player and he’s really important for them around stoppages.

“We don’t expect him to have two bad ones in-a-row, so we need to be on our game.”