Contested ball will be a decisive factor in Richmond’s big Anzac eve clash with Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday.

The Demons’ impressive improvement this season has been due, in no small way, to a strong midfield, led by their captain Nathan Jones and young gun Jack Viney.

“They’re both very tough players, and they’ve got a few other ones . . . young kid (Clayton) Oliver as well.  So, we’ll have our work cut out in the midfield this week,” Richmond assistant coach Brendon Lade said on this week’s edition of ‘Opposition Analysis’.

“They build their game around that . . .

“We’re expecting a big contested game, and expect our players to come out on top.”

The Tigers also are fully aware of the significant influence that Melbourne’s rising ruck star Max Gawn has exerted throughout the early rounds this season.

“He’s probably in the top two or three rucks at the moment, with his ability to win the hit-outs, and he’s marking the ball well around the ground,” Lade said.

“That’s why they’re so high in contested ball (numbers) as well, because this guy’s hitting it down their throats. 

“So, big job for Ivan (Maric) and ‘Hammer’ (Shaun Hampson) this week.”

And, the key Tiger defenders, led by Alex Rance, face a tough assignment to nullify the Demons’ dangerous forward duo of Jesse Hogan and Jack Watts, who have been in fine form.

“Hogan’s a very good player.  He beat ‘Rancey’ last year . . . He’s very influential when he gets up and going,” Lade said.

“You’ll find that he’ll go behind the ball when they’re under the pump a little bit as well. 

“That means you’re good in the air and good on the ground. 

“So, for us, it’s whether we go all the way with him and make him accountable, or just let him go and get Rancey free . . .

“We got some stats today on (Jack) Watts.  He’s won nearly 60 percent of his one-on-ones inside 50. 

“So he’s improved a lot, and is playing a lot more consistent footy.

“We’ll have our work cut out trying to stop them both this week.”