Richmond coach Damien Hardwick is expecting a fierce clearances and contested ball battle against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night.
The Tigers won the earlier meeting between the two sides this season by 67 points, but the team is expecting a much-improved Bulldogs outfit this time around.
“I think they’re playing better. You’ve only got to look at their last month. They’ve won two games, had a disappointing half against Collingwood, but then the second half they beat them on the scoreboard,” Hardwick said.
“Contested ball, they’re very, very good. Their ability to win clearances is very good.
“We’ve got to make sure we combat them in those two areas, and it’ll give us a good chance to win. It’s going to be a tough game.
“Every week is a challenge, and this week is no different. We just need to worry about what we can control, and that’s playing good, solid football for a consistent four quarters.”
Hardwick said small forward Robin Nahas, who played his fifth and last game this season in round nine, would have to wait for his opportunity, despite strong VFL form.
"At the moment he's basically competing with Shane Edwards and Jake King for a spot and we probably think those two guys have got him at the moment," Hardwick said.
"The competition has definitely increased, [but] Robin to his credit is playing some reasonable football.
"He's just got to wait for his opportunity and I've got no doubt he'll take it.
"He's certainly got some things in his game that we really like. He's a noted goalkicker."
