Last time they met - Round 3, 2011
Richmond 1.3 2.7 4.11 6.16 (52)
Hawthorn 7.1 11.6 13.12 17.13 (115)

View highlights: Last Time They Met - Hawks v Tigers

Best: Hawthorn - Franklin, Hodge, Gibson, Lewis, Sewell, Savage, Burgoyne.
Richmond - Foley, Houli, Cotchin, King, Martin, Jackson.

A wet night at the MCG saw the Hawks make a quick transition to wet weather footy and pile on seven goal in the opening term. The inaccurate Tigers could make no inroads to the margin as the Hawks won every quarter to post a 63-point win.

Looking ahead

Improvement in the Tigers has come from the natural progression of young stars Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin and Shaun Grigg. The midfield trio, combined with the seasoned Brett Deledio, Shane Tuck and Nathan Foley have given the Tigers the ability to not only compete well at stoppages, but win the contested ball and release to their damaging runners.

That abiltity to release runners is the best in the league, given that the Tigers are ranked number one for uncontested possessions (averaging 249 per game). That means, that limiting their ability to hit a target will be crucial for the Hawks. The Tigers have a number of players, including Martin, Cotchin, Deledio and Robin Nahas who are most damaging when given time and space.

Interestingly, both sides are ranked equal first for disposal efficiency in the competition, highlighting both teams’ ability to find a teammate when they get control of the ball. Both teams run at 75 per cent efficiency, meaning that whichever side gets on top in the midfield could go on to win the match, given their ability to set up a teammate - and with both boasting gun forwards (Jack Riewoldt for Richmond, Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead for the Hawks) makes for an intriguing battle.

Despite their young and inexperienced defence, the Tigers have also shown an improvement in their ability to restrict opposition scores. The Tigers have conceded 710 points over eight matches, an average of 88 points per game. That average is less than last year’s premiers, Geelong who, despite boasting some of the best defenders in the league, have conceded 91 points per game.

The ability to restrict sides from scoring has come from an increase in pressure around the ball in the midfield. The Tigers average 63 tackles per game, that is three more than top of the table West Coast (58) and just two fewer than the Crows (65), currently second on the AFL ladder.

Leading the charge in this area is Nathan Foley, who combined his electric speed with the desire to chase and tackle, averaging six per game. Shane Tuck (5.9) and Trent Cotchin (5) have also shown their ability to pressure their opponents.

The recruitment of ruckman Ivan Maric from the Crows is paying dividens already for the Tigers. Renowned for his competitiveness and desire to succeed, Maric has combined that with talent this season to show that he’s more than just a battler.

Maric is ranked fifth in the league for average hit outs (29.3), but also makes his presence felt, averaging three tackles per game. He also gets himself involved in general play, by averaging 16 disposals per game to give his side an option around the ground.

Shaun Grigg’s switch to the Tigers  was one that snuck under the radar at the time, with the former Blue struggling to cement a place in his old club’s best 22. Since transferring to the yellow and black, however, Grigg has flourished in his role as a starting midfielder for his new side.

If there was one criticism of Grigg, it is his disposal by foot. Of Grigg’s 27.8 disposals per game this season, however, he runs at 79 per cent efficiency, a higher rating than his much publicised teammates Deledio (75 per cent), Martin (67) and Cotchin (65).

He also averages three clearances per game and manages to hit the scoreboard when he runs out onto the field, kicking on goal per match. His numbers so far prove that he is one of the unsung heroes of the Tigers line up, that the Hawks will need to be aware of on Saturday afternoon.


Brad Sewell: "Their midfield balance at the moment is as good as what’s going around. Their mix of inside, outside midfielders, their skill level is really high and then they’ve got the ability to push forward and hit the scoreboard is very good as well so it’s going to be a great challenge for us."


Luke Bertucci on Facebook: "The game will be won across half back - two even midfields, two gun forward lines, so whichever backline stands up will win the game. The half backline that provides the most drive will win. Suckling, Guerra, Birchall or Houli, Grigg and Deledio."