Opposition Analysis: Richmond

RICHMOND will be out to continue its strong recent form when it takes on the Hawks at the MCG on Friday night.

After coming agonisingly close last week to defeating ladder-leaders Fremantle, the Tigers will be hoping to take it one step further and knock off an in-form Hawthorn side.

The Tigers had won four consecutive games before their four-point loss to the Dockers.

But after coughing up their lead late in the final quarter against the Dockers, the Tigers will be looking to improve upon their skills - according to Coach Damian Hardwick.

“(At the) end of the day we had chances to win the game and we didn’t take (them)," Hardwick said after the Tigers' loss to Fremantle.

"It’s easy to focus on the last mistake of the day, but our game was littered with mistakes… we had more than ample opportunities to win the game – we didn’t."

Taking opportunities in front of goal will be a particular focus for Richmond after kicking 10.18, but Hardwick is confident his side can bounce back to take it right up to the reigning premiers, where their skill level will be crucial.

“In effect if you can control the ball more so than them you’re a better chance of winning, but the fact (is) it’s easier said than done," he said.

Players to Watch

Brandon Ellis is experiencing a career-best season and leads the Tigers for both disposals, averaging almost 27 a game, and marks.

Key forward Jack Riewoldt is the centrepiece of Richmond’s forward line with 42 goals this season – the next best is Dustin Martin with 13 – and looms as a key to their chances against the Hawks.

Potential Changes

Tyrone Vickery returns from suspension and is a likely inclusion for Ben Griffiths - who will miss through injury - or Shaun Hampson, who was subbed out at half time against Fremantle with an ankle injury and will undergo a fitness test on Thursday.

Reece Conca could also return from a hamstring injury after gathering 28 touches in the VFL, while Matthew Arnot gathered 32 disposals to be named in the Tigers' best players at VFL level on the weekend.

David Astbury (22 disposals, 9 marks), Steve Morris (19 disposals) and Connor Menadue (26 disposals) could all come into the frame, along with Corey Ellis and Matt Dea.