Where and when: MCG, Saturday, May 6, 1.45pm (11.45am WA time)

TV: Live on 7 in WA, Fox Footy and streaming on Kayo

Last time we met: Richmond 20.8 (128) def. West Coast 13.15 (93) at the MCG, round 16, 2022

The return of star ruck Nic Naitanui (19 disposals, six clearances) inspired the Eagles and Tim Kelly (40 disposals, two goals) was unstoppable at his feet but ultimately Richmond saw off the visitors’ third-quarter challenge and prevailed by 35 points. Both teams were a man down after Elliot Yeo joined Dustin Martin on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. Jamie Cripps snared three goals and Jack Darling booted one in his 250^th game in blue and gold.

What it means for the Eagles: The chance to bounce back from a step backwards against Carlton. The Eagles might be battling on the availability front but there is no excuse not to provide maximum effort and that will be the key requirement against the Tigers, who themselves are injury-hit and desperate for their second victory of 2023.

The stat: West Coast has lost three-in-a-row to Richmond at the MCG but all three have been competitive matches. The Eagles went down by 35 points last year, following six and 11-point defeats in 2019 and 2017, respectively.

The match-up: Tim Kelly v Dustin Martin

They might not see much of each other outside of centre bounces but their ability to impact matches would have them at the forefront of their opposition coaches’ minds heading into the Saturday afternoon bout. Kelly has been in sublime touch for the Eagles, and overcame a slow start to collect 27 disposals and lay eight tackles against Carlton. He enjoys playing at the ‘G as well, and Richmond won’t have forgotten his masterpiece last time. Martin hasn’t torn a game apart this year but it’s only a matter of time and the three-time Norm Smith medallist will want to lead Richmond to its second win and kick-start his side’s season coming off five-straight losses.

It’s a big week for: Dom Sheed

The 2018 premiership hero returns at the home of football for his first game in a month following an errant elbow to the throat at training. By himself, Sheed won’t be able to turn the tide in midfield but he’s a crucial cog of the engine room and will be hoping for a clear run at the remainder of the season.

Big call: Jayden Hunt to lead the Eagles for disposals upon his return to his former home ground.  

After hanging tough for close to three quarters, the West Coast Eagles slipped to a 46-point loss to Richmond as the class of the Tigers produced a game-breaking surge.

When Jack Darling kicked truly 19 minutes into the third quarter, the Eagles led by a point.

But consecutive centre bounce clearances that involved Shai Bolton, Dustin Martin and Dion Prestia saw Richmond break the hearts of the young Eagles.

Prestia kicked three goals in rapid succession in a pulsating period as Richmond locked away a 48-point victory.

While the Eagles stuck to the task for most of this contest on a chilly afternoon at the MCG, they again paid a price for fundamental errors as the Tigers seized opportunities off skill and ball handling errors.

Turnovers at critical moments in and dangerous areas of the ground created chances that the Tigers consistently capitalised on.  

The Eagles made a bright start to the game, kicking the first two goals, but things took a turn for the worse in a major way when young midfielder Jai Culley went to ground at half-forward about 10 minutes into the game.

He clutched at his right knee as training staff went to his assistance and it is feared he has a significant injury.

In his absence, Tim Kelly (19 contested possessions) and the returning Dom Sheed worked hard through the midfield - collecting 29 touches and nine clearances apiece - and Oscar Allen capitalised on their work through the middle with four goals.

Jamaine Jones (30 disposals) continued his strong form as a rebounding defender while Liam Duggan (27) and Reuben Ginbey oscillated between half-back and the engine room, both having a strong influence on the game.

Acting captain Tom Barrass had an intriguing battle with Richmond veteran Jack Riewoldt while several youngsters including Luke Edwards, Ginbey and Bailey Williams continued their growth.

Connor West had some good moments up forward, along with Jack Petruccelle. 

RICHMOND 1.2 5.8 10.12 15.14 (104)
WEST COAST 2.3 4.5 7.6 8.10 (58)

GOALS
Richmond: Prestia 3, Bolton 3, Taranto 2, Pickett, Miller, Graham, Clarke, Hopper, Ryan, Martin
West Coast: Allen 4, Petruccelle, West, Darling, Williams

BEST
Richmond: Bolton, Taranto, Martin, Vlastuin, Hopper, Prestia
West Coast: Allen, Jones, Kelly, Sheed, Duggan, Barrass

INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
West Coast: Culley (knee)

SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Rhyan Mansell replaced Noah Cumberland in the third quarter
West Coast: Zane Trew replaced Jai Culley (knee) in the first quarter

Crowd: 28,293 at the MCG