Richmond faces Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday afternoon, as the Tigers look to test themselves against one of the competition’s standout sides.

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

Can Tigers celebrate a champion with a win?

Three-time Richmond premiership hero Dion Prestia will play his 250th AFL game on Sunday, a mighty achievement for the midfielder. 

Prestia will leave a huge legacy at Tigerland, with his honour list reading three Richmond premierships (2017, 2019, 2020), a Jack Dyer Medal (2019), All-Australian Squad (2019), Maurie Fleming Medal (2022), Yiooken Award (2022) and a Life Member of the Club.

He is also mentoring and guiding the next crop of Tiger stars through their journey, passing on invaluable knowledge and experience to them.

However, in the immediate, the best way for Richmond to honour Prestia will be making his 250th a memorable one, with a victory. 

In his 200th game in Round 9, 2023, the Tigers defeated the then reigning premiers Geelong in an MCG blockbuster, and Richmond will no doubt be hoping to replicate that result on Sunday against a high-flying Hawks outfit.

How can Tigers nullify Hawthorn's strengths? 

Sam Mitchell’s Hawks are a high-powered machine, and speaking to the media on Friday, Richmond coach Adem Yze highlighted the key areas of strength the Tigers will need to negate.

“Their contest work is very strong. Contests and clearances, especially around centre bounce, that can almost decide where their momentum and where their potency lies, so that centre bounce battle is going to be really important,” Yze said.

“Their offence has always been strong, so [we are] trying to take away their speed of ball movement and try and lock it in our front half. 

“Hopefully we can slow them down and give ourselves a shot at forward half footy.”

The plan will be in place for Richmond on Sunday. Executing it to a high standard will be vital to the outcome.

Can Tigers cast a spell on the Wizard?

While Hawthorn has game-changers across the park, Nick Watson is one player who can take over a game in an instant.

Watson will return on Sunday for his first game since Round 16, and containing the small forward could be a deciding factor in the result. 

The 21-year-old is averaging almost seven score involvements per game this season, alongside 2.6 goals, while he has also spent some time making an impact in the midfield. 

The Tigers will have options to send to Watson, whether that be a seasoned veteran in defence or a determined youngster, and will hope to quell his influence on Sunday afternoon.