SUMMARY
It doesn't seem long ago that the Tigers were being spoken of as a club in crisis, with finals a long shot for Damien Hardwick's men. Since then, they have won seven of their past eight matches and top four has become the new goal. The Tigers’ recent streak of three wins has seen them play less flamboyant football, taking the points in scrappy, contested matches. It has pleased Hardwick. St Kilda, meanwhile, went away from the contested side of the game against Greater Western Sydney and lost as a result. In the inaugural 'Maddie's Match', to support the newly formed Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision, the Saints will be keen to produce a tougher performance to honour captain Nick Riewoldt's sister Madeleine.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, July 19, 4.40pm AEST
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PAST FIVE TIMES
R22, 2014, Richmond 15.8 (98) d St Kilda 10.12 (72) at the MCG
R15, 2014, Richmond 18.9 (117) d St Kilda 11.7 (73) at Etihad Stadium
R14, 2013, Richmond 17.17 (119) d St Kilda 8.7 (55) at the MCG
R2, 2013, Richmond 14.15 (99) d St Kilda 12.10 (82) at the MCG
R10, 2012, Richmond 18.13 (121) d St Kilda 16.17 (113) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Jack Riewoldt was the difference between the sides when they last met, booting six goals. He has kicked 41 goals in just 11 games against the Saints, with five bags of six or more goals.
2. St Kilda has been strong for marks inside 50 in 2015, averaging 13.1 a game (ranked No.4 in the AFL). Josh Bruce is ranked No.2 in the League with 3.36 a game.
3. Despite their recent impressive form, the Tigers are ranked No.12 in the AFL for insides 50s this season, averaging 49.7 a game. The Saints are ranked No.7 with 52.2 a game.
4. In St Kilda’s favour is its record against Richmond at Etihad Stadium, with 11 wins from 16 contests. The Tigers, however, have won the past two.
5. Richmond remains the umpires' favourite in 2015, ranked No.1 for free kicks with a total of 329, 55 ahead of the next team. Anthony Miles and Trent Cotchin are both ranked in the top five.
6. Jack Riewoldt has overtaken Shane Edwards as Richmond's No.1 player in the Official AFL Player Ratings. He has jumped to No.37 overall, climbing from No.79 at the end of last season.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Nick Riewoldt. This match will hold a special place in the St Kilda skipper's heart. He is committed to realising his younger sister Madeleine’s vision after her passing earlier this year. Riewoldt suffered a minor calf injury in last week’s loss to Greater Western Sydney and will be racing the clock to be fit. Madeleine’s cousin Jack will also be playing in what is sure to be an emotional afternoon at Etihad Stadium.
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