Richmond returns to the MCG on Saturday afternoon to face Port Adelaide in Round 4.

As the Tigers search for their first win of the season, here are some burning questions which could determine the result of the game.

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How do the Tigers limit Zak Butters?

The Power’s engine room is operated by Zak Butters, and the two-time All-Australian will play a vital role in Saturday’s clash.

Butters has had a strong start to the campaign, averaging 29.7 disposals, 7.3 clearances and 9.3 score involvements, all career highs, across the opening three matches.

How Richmond decides to curb the influence of Butters will be fascinating, and coach Adem Yze addressed the topic on Wednesday. 

“He is obviously a terrific player and when he plays well, they play well,” Yze said.

“I think even on the weekend he had a hard tag, and he still got coaches votes. 

“There’s a couple of different models, whether we try system or whether we bring numbers up and try and combat it as a team…you always keep an eye on number nine running around. 

“If he is having too much influence, we’ll obviously have to do something.”

Who wins the battle of the ruck?

Samson Ryan will make his return to the AFL field this weekend, having last played in the seniors in last year’s Dreamtime at the ‘G clash on May 23.

Having recovered from his foot injury, Ryan’s return comes at a welcome time for the Tigers, who also have rucks Toby Nankevis and Tom Sims injured. 

Ryan has played 25 games at the top level and will be hoping to bank an extended stretch of uninterrupted football, with Saturday posing a fantastic opportunity for the 25-year-old.

The athletic 206cm Ryan will look to give Richmond an advantage in the middle of the ground and at the contest in his battle with Port Adelaide's Jordon Sweet, who recorded 37 hit-outs against West Coast last week.

How can Richmond be more consistent over four quarters? 

If there’s been a theme coming out of the Swinburne Centre over the past week, it is the importance of playing consistently over four quarters. 

There’s no doubt the Tigers have shown their best football can challenge the top sides in the AFL, as evident by strong first half patches against Gold Coast and Fremantle over the past fortnight.

However, maintaining that high level of play across the entire game is a key focus this week, something both Yze and acting captain Tim Taranto have addressed.

“Mentally we just got to stay switched on for four quarters,” Taranto said.

“The first halves (over the past two weeks) have been pretty good footy, that will challenge anyone. We have to focus on the right thing at the right time.”

A full four-quarter performance will be critical for Richmond to notch its first win of 2026 this Saturday.