Richmond will need to bring its best form in order to overcome a confident, classy Geelong outfit at Metricon Stadium on Friday night, according to coach Damien Hardwick.

The Cats have moved into second spot on the AFL ladder, with a competition-high percentage of 145.1, following six successive wins.

“They’re a really good side. They’re really well coached, they operate efficiently. Defensively, they’re very, very strong,” Hardwick said.

“We look at the way they play, time in possession’s a big one for them.

“Basically, the game’s going to come down to control versus chaos . . . Geelong very much a control side, we’re sort of a chaos side . . .

“It’s two good sides that are going to have a fair dinkum crack at each other.

“We feel our very best is good enough, but there’s no doubt Geelong would feel exactly the same. So, it’s going to be a great test.

“They’re in terrific form. You’ve only got to look at their game versus the Bombers (last Sunday) to see how damaging they can be.

“But we think at our very best we’ll challenge them, there’s no doubt about that.

“All we can ask is that we play our best footy. Sometimes the scoreboard won’t go our way, but as long as we play the Richmond way, we think we’re a fair chance.”

The Tigers will be boosted for the big clash with Geelong through the return from injury of dual premiership stars Dylan Grimes (hamstring) and Kane Lambert (hip), while David Astbury (knee) is likely to play in the Club's scrimmage game after picking up his training.

Richmond also is increasingly optimistic about a return for reigning Jack Dyer Medallist Dion Prestia in the finals, as he recovers from the syndesmosis injury that has sidelined him since Round 5. Prestia is aiming to play some of a scrimmage game during the pre-finals bye week. 

“He's moving really well,” Hardwick said.

“We think he's turned the corner, we're really excited by his progress, and Dion himself is a lot more bullish about where he's at now. “