SUMMARY
After appearing to get back on track with a big win against the Brisbane Lions in round three, Richmond (2-2) dished up one of its worst performances in recent seasons against Melbourne on the Friday night stage. It was an effort described by coach Damien Hardwick as "insipid" and "not tough enough". To rebound with a win the Tigers will need to overcome a shocking record against Geelong, having lost the past 10 meetings. The Cats (1-3), however, find themselves in unfamiliar territory after their worst start to a season since 2004. Incredibly, the Cats have now lost two matches at their former stronghold of Simonds Stadium after North Melbourne ran over the top of them in round four to win by 16 points.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, May 2, 1.45pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R7, 2014, Geelong 11.15 (81) d Richmond 12.4 (76) at the MCG
R6, 2013, Geelong 20.11 (131) d Richmond 13.9 (87) at the MCG
R4, 2012, Geelong 11.9 (75) d Richmond 9.11 (65) at the MCG
R18, 2011, Geelong 17.11 (113) d Richmond 7.9 (51) at the MCG
R6, 2010, Geelong 24.17 (161) d Richmond 7.11 (53) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. The mercurial Steve Johnson was the difference between the sides in round seven last season with 29 disposals, one goal and three Brownlow votes. However, he was the Cats' substitute last week, raising doubts about whether he can reach those same levels now.
2. No team has kicked the ball less in 2015 than Geelong. The Cats have averaged 185 kicks a game while Richmond is equal seventh at 209 a game.
3. In their dominant 10-game winning streak against Richmond, the Cats have won matches by 157, 108, 70, 63 and 62 points. Their average winning margin against the Tigers in that period is 57 points.
4. No team has received more free kicks in 2015 than Richmond at 25 per game. Geelong skipper Joel Selwood is equal first in the League for free kicks for (14).
5. Geelong continues to be the worst contested possession side in 2015, averaging only 128 a game. Richmond is ranked No.7 with 143 a game.
6. Since reaching a career-peak of No.13 last season, Geelong midfielder Steve Johnson has dropped to No.20 this year in the Official AFL Player Ratings, brought to you by Gatorade. He is likely to keep falling in the short-term after wearing the green vest in round four.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Damien Hardwick. The Richmond coach was in the spotlight early in the week after his team's loss to Melbourne, with questions asked about why the Tigers failed to bring the required effort on the eve of Anzac Day. There will be significant interest this week in what level of performance the sixth-year coach can draw out of his players on match day.
PREDICTION: Geelong by 12 points
