Richmond is bracing for a faster, more attacking Carlton outfit this Friday night, to the one it faced in the opening round of the 2015 season.
The Tigers have taken notice of the Blues’ change in fortunes over the last month, and are expecting a fierce contest from the John Barker led opponent.
“They’ve been really good. They’re two and two over the last four weeks,” Richmond coach Damien Hardwick told the media on Thursday.
“They’re playing a faster brand of footy. Their handball receives are up, their uncontested marks are up.
“They’re really attacking off half back. Simpson’s gone down there, Yarran has come back into the side, and Buckley has been introduced down back also.
It’s your last chance to buy tickets for this Saturday’s Homecoming event. Get yours today
"We know we're certainly in for a quick game, they play a quick attacking brand of footy off half-back so we need to make sure we slow them down as much as we can," he said.
“They’ve got a quality group of players. Kreuzer has been added to the mix, which has made an enormous difference.
"The way they've been playing has been inspired. They’re a different side, no doubt.”
Hardwick said the battle of the midfields will be crucial to the outcome of the match, with Shaun Hampson looming as an important component in the Richmond midfield.
Hampson will play his first game for the Tigers so far this season, replacing the suspended Ivan Maric.
“Stoppage-wise, we’ve been inconsistent at stages this year,” Hardwick said.
“We think Shaun will give us something in that area. He’s a lot taller than Ivan. We’re certainly going to get a reach advantage from that situation.
“It’s going to be, like most games, a battle of the midfields to see who can get on top in that area.
“Especially centre bounce, I think they kicked five goals against us last time, in Round 1. We’re certainly aware of that. It’s a strength of their game.
“We’ve just got to nullify that, and get the ball going our way.”
