Richmond coach Damien Hardwick isn’t being fooled by Collingwood’s recent win-loss column.

The Magpies have lost seven of their past eight games, but during this run of outs they’ve managed to get within seven points of ladder leader Fremantle at Domain Stadium, 10 points of third-placed Hawthorn at the MCG, 18 points of fourth-placed Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium and 11 points of fifth-placed Sydney at the SCG last Friday night. 

So, their form-line certainly stacks up pretty well, and Hardwick is fully aware of the challenge they will pose his Tigers in Saturday afternoon’s big clash at the MCG.

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“(Travis) Cloke has come back into the side and their numbers have replicated what they were doing previously when he was in,” Hardwick said.

“Defensively, they’ve lifted their work-rate also. 

“They’re in some pretty good form, and I think they’ve got their best side possible on the park. 

“It’s going to be a big challenge for our boys, and a big game. 

“Both sides are firmly in the mix, fighting for finals positions, so there’s going to be a lot in this game.”

Richmond’s low tackle count in last Sunday’s victory over Gold Coast has been a strong discussion point at Tigerland throughout the week.

The Tigers managed only one tackle in the opening quarter against the Suns, had just nine by half-time, and finished with a very moderate total of 30 for the game.

“The thing about the game is offensively, and contested-wise, we were pretty good, but defensively we thought we were well below the standard we’ve set over the last month,” Hardwick said.

“We addressed that with the players in the Monday review, so we expect a better result for that this week.

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“You’re always looking for the three phases from a coaching point of view, and there’s probably one that’s always a little bit off. 

“It was contested ball the week before versus Adelaide, and this week (v Gold Coast) defence. 

“So it’s a timely reminder for our players that we have to up our work-rate in that area, to make sure we continue to win games.”