Aurora Stadium, Saturday March 9, 1.10pm (AEDT)
MISSING
Hawthorn: Cyril Rioli (ankle), Paul Puopolo (knee), Brendan Whitecross (knee)
Richmond: Dylan Grimes (hamstring), Nathan Foley (achilles)
LAST WEEK
Hawthorn: The Hawks went down to the Western Bulldogs in a dramatic finish at Etihad Stadium on Friday night that resulted in a one-point win to the Dogs – their first victory in 257 days. Luke Breust copped a knock to his lower left leg and David Hale his left ankle, which leaves both in doubt for this week.
Richmond: The Tigers closed out a tight one against Essendon on Saturday evening in Wangaratta, prevailing by eight points. They were missing a raft of senior players and are poised to load up over the next few weeks with Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio, Ivan Maric and Steven Morris among those who sat out against the Bombers.
WHAT THEY SAY
Hawthorn: "It's early on. We were a bit rusty tonight [against the Bulldogs]. We need to get better, but it's fortunate for us we've still got three our four weeks to get ourselves right prior to round one." – Alastair Clarkson, senior coach.
Richmond: "There's probably about eight guys who will come back into our best 22 and that's really good for us. We've gone about it in a certain way, so we'll probably play pretty much full-strength sides for the rest of the NAB Cup" – Damien Hardwick, senior coach.
WE SAY
Hawthorn: The Hawks showed last week their late start to training has left them with some work to do in comparison to otherclubs. We're yet to see Luke Hodge, Grant Birchall, Shaun Burgoyne, Liam Shiels or Xavier Ellis but any of them could be considered this week.
Richmond: The Tigers are building their side and will almost be at full strength either this week or next with just Foley to be unavailable for round one and Grimes likely to join him. Winning a close one last week will help the Tigers with confidence as round one nears.
