Richmond meets North Melbourne for the second time this season on Sunday at the MCG. 

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

How do Nankervis and Hotton returns boost Tigers?

In a sight for sore eyes, the names Toby Nankervis and Taj Hotton headline the 'ins' column of Richmond's team this weekend.

Nankervis, the Tigers' inspirational captain, hasn't played since Round 2 due to a hamstring injury, and coach Adem Yze spoke about the importance of the ruckman's return.

"There's a ripple effect. One, having him in, but then we get the opportunity to move other players around as well," Yze said.

"The minute you get, not only your captain back, but your ruck, then we can play Noah Balta forward [or back] more, and things like that [open up]. The ability to start shifting other players around having a real key pillar in [Nankervis] back, let alone his leadership, [is important]. 

"He's been really keen to get back in and we have been really cautious with him, and it's a really welcome return for him. Can't wait to get our skipper back out there."

Hotton is back on the AFL stage for the first time since last year's season finale, due to a hip injury suffered in the pre-season.

Hotton played in last weekend's VFL game in Tasmania and impressed on limited minutes, and in wet conditions, with 15 disposals and seven tackles.

"He's a highly talented player that we want to get games into,” Yze said of Hotton.

"There's a lot of players that play 60 or 70% game time with five on the bench, so he'll just be one of those. But we can't put him into a game hoping to play a certain amount because if something happens game day, that might have to change. 

"We've got to make sure that he's available and ready to play a certain amount as a minimum. But he'll be one of those guys that he might get an extra rotation here and there. Looking forward to getting him back out there.”

Can Tigers maintain the forward pressure?

A highlight of Richmond's spirited performance against the back-to-back reigning premier Brisbane last week was the Tigers' tenacious forward pressure.  

It started from the outset, with Richmond recording a pressure factor of 203 in the first quarter, well above the AFL average. 

The Tigers maintained the rage, applying 56 tackles, including 17 inside-50, both numbers above their season averages. 

The result of the immense pressure was 52% of the game being played in the Tigers' forward half, and if they can bring that same intensity this Sunday, it will help Richmond get the match on its terms.

Can Richmond build MCG momentum?

In a strange fixture quirk, Sunday's game is Richmond's first at the MCG since Dreamtime at the 'G on Friday, May 22.

However, those long waits between MCG dates are over, with the Tigers' next five games, and six of the next seven, scheduled at the home of football.

Speaking on Friday, Yze mentioned how one of the benefits of training at Waverley, Richmond's new temporary home, is the MCG sized oval.

Preparing and mastering the game plan on a ground that shares the G's dimensions will help the Tigers, as well as the incredible support of the Tiger Army, who can settle into the comfy confines of the MCG over the coming weeks and create an intimidating atmosphere for Richmond's opponents, beginning this Sunday against North Melbourne.