Sitting at the pinnacle of the AFL ladder after seven rounds, Richmond has hit the ground running in 2018, and is right in the hunt for another deep finals push.
The reigning premiers have lost just the one game this season, but have really hit its straps in the past month, with their lowest winning margin just 43 points.
With the Tigers’ red-hot form and record-high number of fans, Richmond is close to, if not the, biggest club in the competition.
Offensive juggernaut
Richmond has only scored less than 100 points on one occasion this year, and as a result, averages over 105 points per game.
Star forward Jack Riewoldt is leading the Tigers’ goalkickers with 17, however, the smaller Tigers are also making a big impact on the scoreboard.
Brownlow medallist Dustin Martin and Jason Castagna have both kicked 13 majors, while Josh Caddy and Jacob Townsend have kicked 12 and 10 goals respectively.
Richmond’s immense pressure inside forward 50 set the trend for the competition, yet no one seems to be doing it as well as the Tigers.
The pressure placed on opposition defenders by every the forward causes crucial turnovers, and as a result, produces good looks on goal.
Outstanding Defence
Not only is Richmond a force to be reckoned with offensively, but defensively, the Tigers are the best in the competition.
Richmond has conceded the least amount of points in the competition, allowing its opponents to score an average of just 68 points, one point more than North which sits in second.
Much of the Tigers’ defensive strength is thanks to All-Australian defender Alex Rance, who continues to heavily minimise the impact of some of the game’s best forwards.
Rance ranks first in total intercepts, fourth in total one percenters and fifth in effective disposal percentage per game, which is why he is one of the best in the competition.
Missing Stars
Richmond has had a relatively healthy list this season, however some of its premiership stars could be in doubt for Round 8.
Shaun Grigg missed the clash with Fremantle last weekend with a hamstring injury, while Trent Cotchin was a late out due to a knee.
Grigg’s availability is uncertain, while the club has classed its skipper as probable.
Midfielder Dion Prestia injured his calf last Sunday, and is considered doubtful, with a decision to be made later in the week.
