Richmond coach Damien Hardwick is under no illusions as to the tough contest that will confront his players when they take on Melbourne in Friday night’s big Anzac Day eve clash at the MCG.

 “We know it’s going to be a high tackle, high stoppage, high contested game . . . Paul Roos sides, that’s how they play, and we’re looking forward to that challenge.  We’ve set our players for it.

“It’s going to be an arm wrestle . . . 12 goals to 10, it’s probably going to be that sort of game. 

Richmond and Melbourne will play in the first Anzac Day eve match this Friday night at the MCG

“So we’ll set our players with that steely resolve.  They know they’ve got to come to play. 

“We’ve got a really good opposition that is coming forward in leaps and bounds.  The quality of talent they’ve added over the course of the summer was evident for their supporters to see . . .

“We’re just looking forward to making sure we match their intensity early, because they do start well, and then get the game on our terms after that.”

Hardwick is keen to see the Richmond v Melbourne Anzac Day eve match become an annual event on the league football calendar.

Buy tickets for this Friday night’s Round 4 clash with Melbourne

“It’s something we’re looking to make a regular occurrence.  It’s a great way to celebrate our servicemen and women,” he said.

“And to have Ronald Dale (Barassi) lighting the cauldron before is going to be very special for a lot of people. 

“We’re hoping for a big turnout of Tiger fans and Melbourne supporters, and we look forward to celebrating this from here on in because a lot of people have given a lot for this country and it’s a great way to reward them. 

“If you look back on the history of it, both clubs have had a great deal of servicemen and women within their organisations, so we’re looking forward to this continuing.”