Stealth Night at the ‘G takes centre stage on Saturday night, as Richmond hosts Carlton in a standalone primetime fixture. 

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

Can Tigers get scoreboard reward?

Despite last week’s loss to Collingwood, Richmond was able to control field position for significant portions of the contest.

The Tigers recorded 51 inside-50s, five above their season average, while 49 per cent of the game was played in Richmond’s forward half. Additionally, Adem Yze’s men were the number one team in the AFL last weekend at converting a handball chain from a stoppage into an inside-50.

However, the Tigers couldn’t inflict maximum scoreboard damage, kicking 11.6 (72). 

It was a similar story against Saturday’s opponent, Carlton, back in Round 1, when Richmond won the inside-50 count 60-44 but inaccuracy was the issue that night, with the Tigers booting 9.17 (71).

Tom Lynch’s return will no doubt help Richmond’s attack, with the spearhead forward set for his first game since Dreamtime at the ‘G. Lynch had 10 shots at goal against the Blues earlier in the season and provides invaluable experience in a young forward line.

If the Tigers can continue to create scoring chances, and put damage on the scoreboard, it will be a vital part to a win on Saturday night. 

How can Tigers slow Patrick Cripps?

Carlton is enjoying a hot run of form, entering Saturday night’s clash winners of six straight games.

Blues captain Patrick Cripps has been integral, with the midfielder polling 46 of a possible 60 AFL Coaches’ Votes in the past six games. He didn’t poll in Round 13, but in the other five clashes, Cripps has notched 9, 8, 10, 10 and 9 votes, highlighting the influence the coaches believe he is having on games. 

For the Tigers, lining up against Cripps will provide the emerging midfield crew another important opportunity to learn and test themselves against one of the competition’s prime movers. 

Sam Cumming was immense in the middle last week, amassing 27 disposals, 12 contested possessions and four clearances, Taj Hotton had 17 disposals and seven tackles, Seth Campbell’s midfield growth continued, while leaders Tim Taranto and Jack Ross were their usual brilliant selves. 

The battle of the midfield will be vital to the result, with Richmond set to seize the opportunity against Cripps’ Carlton. 

How can Tigers put together a four-quarter performance?

Last weekend, Collingwood used a six goal to one second quarter to put the result beyond doubt.

Heading into Saturday’s game, Yze is keen to see Richmond put together a four-quarter performance, outlining how it can do so. 

“Some of it is around the technical, tactical and the method around what we're doing, but some of it's around our mental mastery,” Yze said.

“Staying engaged, making sure we can deny teams with momentum and making sure we're all on the same page. 

“Having the same guys back out there, having [Toby Nankervis] back out there, having some leaders out there that can make adjustments in game, and in quarter, is going to be really important. 

“We lost our way for a little bit in the second quarter last week. We hope we don't do that again and it's my job to limit that momentum as well. 

“We're obviously trying to work on what we're doing out on the field, but then what we're thinking as well.”