Richmond and Melbourne will meet in the traditional Anzac Day Eve clash on Friday night at the MCG.
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 does Richmond quell Max Gawn’s influence?
There’s no secret that Max Gawn will be at the top of any scouting report when facing Melbourne.
The eight-time All-Australian has once again started the season in form worthy of another appearance in that side, and he has always performed strongly on the Anzac Day Eve stage, winning the past two Frank 'Checker' Hughes medals.
Gawn is ranked third in the AFL coaches votes and is averaging career-highs in disposals (22.2) and clearances (6.7), along with 35.2 hit-outs per game.
Samson Ryan is expected to assume majority of the ruck duties against Gawn, but quelling the influence of the Demons’ captain, both in ruck contests and around the ground, will be a full-team effort.
What impact does Tom Lynch make on return?
In a welcome sign for the Tigers, star forward Tom Lynch will make his return from a hamstring injury, marking his first appearance since Round 2.
Lynch started the year in imposing form, having 10 shots at goal in the season opener against Carlton, with inaccuracy in front of the big sticks proving costly.
However, the significance of Lynch’s presence can’t be understated. Not only does the dual premiership player demand attention from the opposition backmen, his leadership, mentorship and on-field coaching will be priceless for a young Richmond forward line.
“We've got a really young forward line at the moment, so to have (Lynch) down there is really important for the leadership, but also his contest. The form he was in before he hurt himself was really strong,” coach Adem Yze said.
"The leadership and maturity that he brings, let alone the fact that he's such an important and terrific player. There's all those elements that make Tom so important to us. He is a great leader of young men, and one of the best people you will meet and one of the best competitors on the ground. He is so important to our team," Richmond's Executive General Manager, Football Performance, Tim Livingstone, added on Talking Tigers.
How can the Tigers limit the Demons’ ball movement?
Melbourne has played an exciting brand of football to start the year, leading to a 4-2 start, including a standout win over the reigning premier Brisbane, last week.
Where the Demons can cause maximum damage is fast ball movement. They rank first in the AFL for defensive-50 movement to score percentage, third in defensive-50 to inside-50 percentage and fourth for forward half kicking efficiency percentage, kick inside-50 to mark percentage, and marks inside-50.
The Tigers controlling the pace of the game will be an important element of Friday’s contest, with their defensive set-up crucial to slowing Melbourne down. It is an area of the game Richmond has seen strong improvement, with the Tigers ranking eighth for defensive-50 to inside-50 against this season.
"There was some structural stuff we did around protecting the corridor that we saw an uplift, our ability to defend transition, that was a good sign in the first half but then dropped away," Livingstone said about last week's game.
