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 250th 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.
