SUMMARY


The tide hasn't just turned at Tigerland, the team is now riding a tidal wave of momentum that has it in contention for the top four. With away wins against Fremantle, Port Adelaide and now the Sydney Swans, the Tigers have a 7-5 record and sit sixth on the ladder. They are a settled team with top form.  The GIANTS, meanwhile, have slipped to ninth after back-to-back losses and are still coming to terms with the loss of influential ruckman Shane Mumford.

WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, July 4, 1.40pm AEST

TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide

LAST FOUR


R19, 2014, Richmond 13.11 (89) d GWS GIANTS 8.14 (62) at the MCG
R10, 2014, Richmond 24.10 (154) d GWS GIANTS 5.11 (41) at Spotless Stadium
R22, 2013, Richmond 25.13 (163) d GWS GIANTS 6.6 (42) at Spotless Stadium
R12, 2012, Richmond 11.20 (86) d GWS GIANTS 12.2 (74) at Spotless Stadium

THE SIX POINTS

1. Richmond's midfield dominated the last time these sides met, with Brandon Ellis (34 possessions), Brett Deledio (31) and Trent Cotchin (30) all influential. No GIANTS player managed 30 possessions or more.

2. Jack Riewoldt's form this season has helped Richmond become a strong marking team inside 50. The Tigers are averaging 14.6 marks in attack, with Riewoldt averaging 3.42 a game (ranked No.2 in the AFL).

3. Richmond have a perfect 4-0 record against the GIANTS, with two wins by more than 100 points. Riewoldt has kicked 16 goals in four games with a bag of 11 early in 2014.

4. The GIANTS are the worst contested possession team in 2015, averaging 127.1 a game. The Tigers rank No.14 with 134.9 a game.

5. The GIANTS will be looking for just their second win at the MCG. They’ve played eight games with their only victory late in 2014 against Melbourne. They have four wins from seven games interstate this season.

6. GIANTS midfielder Dylan Shiel is on the cusp of entering the Top 50 in the Official AFL Player Ratings. He is ranked No.51 after starting the season ranked No.122.  

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …


Ryan Griffen

After some lean weeks, the senior midfielder was on the way up before the GIANTS' bye. He needs to continue that form in the absence of ruckman Shane Mumford to help his younger teammates in the middle of the ground. Griffen has averaged 3.7 tackles and 3.6 clearances a game this year, which should improve if his recent form continues.