Richmond’s in-form defensive line will play a key role if the Tigers are to topple undefeated top side Fremantle this Friday night at Domain Stadium.
With a settled backline that hasn't changed in the past three weeks – and opposition scores of 53 and 43 in the past two weeks – Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said the clash was likely to be defensively minded.
"[The backline] is probably the one line where we haven't had an injury," Hardwick told the media on Thursday.
"Our other lines have probably been a patchwork quilt at stages.
"Bachar Houli has had a great season, Alex Rance is in All Australian form and Nick Vlastuin has had a great year also, as they all have.
"Troy Chaplin is a bit of a leader of ceremonies down there, so to speak. His leadership has been outstanding."
“We’ve been pleased with how that back six has gone, but you’re only as good as your pressure up the field.
“I think that’s one area we’ve also improved. Our midfield tackles – I think we’re AFL number three or four, and our forward line pressure has been good also.”
Richmond is set to follow Adelaide's lead and pit one of its main ball-winners against Dockers star Nat Fyfe.
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Hardwick said using one of his own stars, like Trent Cotchin or Brett Deledio, against Fyfe was the first option the Tigers were looking at as they seek to extend their three-game winning streak against the unbeaten Dockers.
Dustin Martin, who has been pushing forward more often and leads the Tigers for inside 50s, is another option available to Hardwick.
"We'll probably go head-to-head at this stage, and if he gets out of hand we'll look at coming up with something else," Hardwick said as the Tigers flew out of Melbourne on Thursday.
"Very similar to us is what Adelaide did (with Dangerfield). The fact of the matter is even if you do tag him he's still capable of getting 20-25 touches.
"We're just going to assume he's going to get 30 touches, we've got to make sure our guy gets 35.
"We'll have a number of options up our sleeve to combat him, but hopefully our boys come out on top."
Hardwick said he was wary of the Dockers' midfield depth, with David Mundy (27 possessions a game) and Lachie Neale (26.2) both capable of playing match-winning roles if the Tigers locked down on Fyfe.
The coach said Shaun Grigg was one Tiger capable of playing a run-with role on Friday night if the Tigers needed him to.
"He's a player that not only has the capacity to go to someone, but the opposition side has to worry about also," Hardwick said.
"Hopefully he can continue that trend and kick some goals also."
