HAWTHORN v RICHMOND

Venue: MCG

Date: Sunday, April 27

Time: 4.40pm

Head.to.head: Hawthorn 63, Richmond 81, drawn 0

Last time: Hawthorn 19.15 (129) d Richmond 11.10 (76), round 15, 2007, MCG

Betting: TABSportsbet: Hawthorn $1.20 Richmond $4.20. Centrebet: Hawthorn $1.23 Richmond $4.25

Summary: As with every side, Richmond has to deal with the Lance Franklin phenomenon. The problem is, no-one has yet found an answer and the Tigers are expected to be no different. Franklin's support cast up forward isn’t too shabby either, including the likes of Jarryd Roughead, Cyril Rioli and Mark Williams. But at least Richmond brings sone impressive form into the encounter following a big win over Fremantle and a creditable draw with the Bulldogs. The Hawks' only obvious weakness is in the key defensive posts, although that won't matter as much if Matthew Richardson lines up a wing again.

Key: Maybe it will be the elements that cut Franklin down to size. Heavy rain and possible hail has been predicted for Sunday.

Tip: Hawthorn by 30 points