HAWTHORN’S undefeated start to the season came to an end on Easter Monday and Alastair Clarkson's men will be keen to regain their touch in round six. The Hawks weren't themselves against Geelong, making errors by foot and wasting scoring chances. The 2-3 Tigers were also below their best against the Brisbane Lions in round five, but they did enough to snare a much-needed win. It has been a disappointing start to the year for the Tigers and standing up against a quality opponent is exactly what is needed to revive their season.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday April 27, 3.20pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
PAST FIVE TIMES
R19, 2013, Richmond 16.11 (107) d Hawthorn 9.12 (66) at the MCG
R9, 2012, Richmond 21.11 (137) d Hawthorn 10.15 (75) at the MCG
R3, 2011, Hawthorn 17.13 (115) d Richmond 6.16 (52) at the MCG
R8, 2010, Hawthorn 13.11 (89) d Richmond 13.8 (86) at the MCG
R21, 2009, Hawthorn 20.15 (135) d Richmond 14.9 (93) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Tigers and Hawks have clashed 151 times with Richmond holding the advantage 84-67. The Tigers and Geelong were the only teams to beat Hawthorn in 2013.
2. Richmond clearly seem to be favourites with the umpires so far in 2014, receiving more free kicks than any other team (97). Hawthorn is equal 11th with 80.
3. No side has laid less tackles in 2014 than Hawthorn, averaging just 50 a game. Richmond is ranked No.5, averaging 71.6 a game.
4. Hawthorn is the No.1 scoring side in 2014, averaging 120 points a game, while Richmond is seventh with 89 a game. The Hawks' 87 points against Geelong in round five, however, was well below their season average.
5. The biggest bag of goals kicked in a contest between these sides is also the biggest haul in Hawthorn history and the second highest in VFL/AFL history – 17 by Jason Dunstall in round seven, 1992 at Waverley Park.
6. Richmond club champion Dan Jackson has climbed up the Official AFL Player Ratings since returning from a hamstring injury in round three. He started the season ranked No.100 overall but is now placed at No.84. He is ranked No.55 among midfielders.
Prediction: Hawthorn by 29 points
