Richmond returns from the bye this Sunday to host the Brisbane Lions in Tasmania. 

Here are some burning questions that could determine the result of the game.

Can the Tigers control the Lions’ uncontested marks?

Richmond legend Matthew Richardson highlighted one of the key elements of beating Brisbane is ensuring it doesn’t control the pace and field position of the game via uncontested marks.

“If they take 100 uncontested marks, you can’t beat them. That is the biggest thing for me. You’ve got to keep those uncontested marks down,” Richardson said on Talking Tigers.

This was on full display in the Lions’ return to form last week with a win over Gold Coast.

Brisbane won the inside-50 count 65-43, with 59 per cent of the game being played in the Lions’ forward half, as they set up the ground via poised, controlled execution, and then caused maximum damage around goals.

Winning the ball at the coalface, bringing intense pressure to the contest, and deploying a disciplined defensive plan will likely be points of emphasis for Adem Yze’s men on Sunday.

Who wins the midfield battle?

Carrying on from the importance of the uncontested mark metrics, winning the midfield clash will be a vital part of Sunday’s game.

Brisbane’s premiership-winning midfield leads the AFL in clearances per game at 40.9, with Lachie Neale (37 disposals, 10 clearances) finding his best form against the Suns last week.

Despite Richmond’s significant margin of defeat against Sydney, the clearance numbers were tight, with the Swans winning it 36-34.

Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper and Dion Prestia are expected to be the leaders in the engine room against the Lions, leading their young midfield teammates, such as Sam Cumming and Seth Campbell, against the likes of Neale, Josh Dunkley and the Ashcroft brothers.

Tests against the league’s best are invaluable growth opportunities for the Tigers, and it is one the midfield will attack with energy this weekend.

Can Tigers make Tassie a home away from home?

Richmond’s rich history with Tasmania is well documented, and the current Tigers will be looking to make their mark on the Apple Isle on Sunday with a win. 

Sunday’s match will be the first of two home games Richmond will play in Tasmania across 2026 and 2027, as Yze’s men look to make it a mini home away from home.

The Tigers have only played at Ninja Stadium three times and have lost all three contests, all against North Melbourne (2015, 2016, 2025).

“It's a little bit trickier playing at Bellerive Oval. That can sometimes make games harder to win, especially if there's a wind blowing to one end,” Lions coach Chris Fagan noted this week.

"Richmond have played some terrific quarters of football. Their good is really good. They're a young and enthusiastic team.”