Still chasing their first win, speedy defender Jodie Hicks aims to combat the Cats' game plan by controlling the ball during transitions up the ground.

“Geelong are a very good side that we are playing this weekend,” Hicks told Richmond Media.

 “We will have to not try and fall into their trap of going LDL (long down the line) and try and change lanes.

“We beat them last year, but I know they always bring a good game.

“They just lost to the Swans the other day, but their record doesn’t show how good they actually are.”

Hicks believes that the strength of her back line is up to the challenge of locking down Geelong’s key forwards, come Sunday. 

“I think that’s what we are really proud of, even though we do get a few goals scored against, is that we are still trying to change lanes and get ball movement off the half back, so I think we have been really brave with that,” Hicks said.

“We are really proud of what we are trying to work on with that, and also nice to get your hands on the footy every now and then, so that adds to my game.”

“I think if a team is in this situation, they can start butting heads within the four walls, but I actually think we have come together as a more well-connected group.”

Across the first five games, Richmond has seen five new players don the yellow and black for the first time. A new mix that Hicks said has only strengthened the side.

“It’s been so great (to have the new players come in),” Hicks said

“I know Sierra, getting picked up in the first Round and then not playing as early on as she would have liked.

“We also had Monty (Montan McKinnon), who I came in at the same time of the trade with her, and to have her not play until the following year has been really exciting.”

“The way that she went about it, she took her marks and took her moments was really good.”

Join us at IKON Park this Sunday from 1.05pm as we take on the Cats. Buy tickets here.