Matthew Richardson previews Thursday night's Round 14 clash against West Coast at Metricon Stadium.

1. Get the ball to ground

West Coast are the number one marking team in the AFL, averaging 82 marks a game. It’s a strength that the Eagles have across all their lines, and their ability to maintain possession is elite. If Richmond want to get the pressure levels high, they’ll have to disrupt the Eagles aerially and get the ball to ground.

2. Old-fashioned eight-point game

Both teams will be fighting to stay in the hunt for a double chance, with the Eagles currently sitting in fourth place and Richmond in fifth. With only three games to follow, this becomes a crucial opportunity to seize a place in the ever-important top four.

3. Bolton brilliance

Shai Bolton’s emergence this season as an evasive goal-kicking, clearance specialist will have Richmond fans excited for the future. Bolton is reaching elite numbers, averaging two centre clearances, five inside 50s, six score involvements, 382 metres gained, and just under a goal a game.

A powerful Richmond has broken West Coast's eight-game winning streak, with the reigning premier continuing to gather steam as the truncated 2020 season heads towards finals.

The Tigers have turned the Sunshine State into a virtual MCG, with the 14. (88) to 9.7 (61) result making it six wins from six starts up north.

The 27-point win was built in the third term when the Tigers piled on six goals to extend their lead from six points at half-time to 14 at the final change.

The Eagles continued to challenge, but without injured star Josh Kennedy (concussion) from early in the game, West Coast was unable to ever take control. In a heavyweight battle, the Eagles hung on but never landed any punches of their own.

Richmond's depth was again on show as the Tigers continue to revitalise their group on the run ahead of another finals series.

Without premiership stars Dion Prestia, Shane Edwards and David Astbury, and then losing Dylan Grimes to a hamstring strain, the Tigers were lifted by the likes of Jack Graham (16 disposals and a goal), Jason Castagna (16) and first-gamer Thomson Dow (12) also impressed.

Trent Cotchin (26 disposals) was excellent in the midfield battle, while Ivan Soldo and Toby Nankervis won the ruck battle against Nic Naitanui.

West Coast, perhaps due a down game after a brilliant run of form, will be hoping it can quickly recapture its mojo having now lost four of its six games in Queensland this year.

Martin's moment of magic
There aren't many better kicks for goal from the boundary line than Dustin Martin and he proved that again on Thursday night. After a messy kick inside 50 in the third term that was spoiled by the Eagles, the Tigers kept on pressing and pushed forward until West Coast defender Jarrod Brander kicked out on the full. Pinned up against the fence, Martin never looked fussed, calmly and comfortably slotting a clever checkside goal without any sense of fuss or trouble. Martin was busy again against the Eagles as he fires up for another tilt at a big finals series.

RICHMOND 1.1 5.2 11.2 14.4 (88)
WEST COAST 1.0 4.2 8.6 9.7 (61)

GOALS
Richmond: Lynch 3, Martin 2, Aarts, Balta, Bolton, Castagna, Graham, Nankervis, Riewoldt, Rioli, Soldo
West Coast: Darling 3, Ryan 3, Cripps, Kelly, Naitanui

BEST
Richmond: Cotchin, Houli, Balta, Martin, Castagna, Bolton
West Coast: Kelly, Gaff, Ryan, Darling, Shuey, Sheed

INJURIES
Richmond: Grimes (hamstring)
West Coast: Kennedy (concussion)