1. Alex Rance (Richmond)
Richmond key defender Alex Rance has been in All-Australian form this season and will be pivotal for his side again tonight.
The 25-year-old has been important to his side both locking down an opposition forward and providing rebound out of defence.
Rance is one of 12 Tigers to have played every game this season, and averages 16.7 disposals per game.
He ranks first at the Tigers for one-percenters with 128 – the next best is fellow defender Troy Chaplin with 55 – and will likely line-up on Hawk Jarryd Roughead tonight.
2. Billy Hartung (Hawthorn)
Speedster Billy Hartung again proved his value to the Hawks with a standout performance against Carlton last week.
His run and carry will be important at the MCG tonight – and leg-speed could be an area the Hawks look to expose the Tigers.
The 20-year-old has started a handful of matches as the sub this season, but still averages 17.7 disposals per game.
Hartung’s 24-disposal, two-goal effort against the Blues will see him enter tonight’s clash with confidence.
3. Ty Vickery (Richmond)
Tall Tiger Ty Vickery will return from suspension to take on the Hawks.
The 25-year-old will have a big role to play tonight, both as a target up forward and as ruck support for Ivan Maric.
Vickery had been in form prior to his suspension, with 12 goals in eight games, and will look to provide strong support for spearhead Jack Riewoldt up forward.
With Shaun Hampson and Ben Griffiths both out through injury, Vickery will need to stand tall for the Tigers tonight.
4. Shaun Burgoyne (Hawthorn)
Veteran Hawk Shaun Burgoyne has been ticking along nicely in 2015.
The durable 32-year-old will play his 50th consecutive AFL match tonight, a streak that dates back to Round 19, 2013.
Burgoyne has been finding plenty of the ball, averaging close to 19 disposals per game, while also applying pressure without the ball.
He ranks fourth at the competition for tackles – and will have an important role to play against the Tigers.
5. Bachar Houli (Richmond)
Running defender Bachar Houli will be looking to have a big impact against the Hawks.
Houli has been one of the Tigers’ most consistent contributors in 2015, and will have a point to prove after last week’s loss to Fremantle.
The 27-year-old averages 21.9 disposals per game this season, and ranks first at the Tigers for rebound 50s and running bounces.
Houli’s ball movement out of defence will be pivotal to combat the Hawks’ offensive pressure.
