Roos put aside AFL drama to face TigersGreg Buckle
AAP
July 21, 2012It has been a week of high drama for Richmond and North Melbourne and both teams will relish the chance to get back on the field and be in control of their own destinies.
Skipper Chris Newman concedes Richmond, with a 7-8 win-loss record, can't afford another slip-up at the MCG on Sunday if they hope to make the finals.
The Tigers are smarting over last week's 47-second fadeout as Gold Coast kicked two late goals in Cairns to score their first win of the season.
The Kangaroos (8-7) scored a 53-point win over Carlton last week, however the four-game suspension handed out to Jack Ziebell has caused much debate and prompted a savage outburst from coach Brad Scott.
North have injury clouds hanging over Leigh Adams (shoulder) and Drew Petrie, who booted seven goals in three quarters last week before coming off with a groin injury.
The Kangaroos have recalled midfielder Ben Cunnington for Ziebell.
North backman Michael Firrito says the Tigers will be in a combative mood.
"We lost a similar game against Port Adelaide earlier in the year when we were in front and in a position where you thought you couldn't lose and we did," Firrito told AAP this week.
"So we know they're going to come out firing and they'll throw everything at us.
"They get Dustin Martin and Daniel Jackson back (from suspensions) and big Ivan Maric, so they're three really big key `ins'."
Jayden Post also returns for Richmond.
While ex-Crow Maric has been a hit at Punt Road, the Kangaroos have also been thrilled with Todd Goldstein's form after a slow start to the season.
Key forwards Robbie Tarrant and Lachie Hansen have also been damaging in recent weeks and they could be called upon to play more important roles if Petrie is a late withdrawal.
"They've been really good for us. Since that Hawthorn game (which North lost by 115 points in round 10), they've probably been the main difference in our side.
"For so long it's been going to Drew and numbers will get back on top of him.
"But now sides really have to look after Lachie Hansen and Robbie Tarrant. They've both bobbed up and kicked bags in the last few weeks."
Since a bye in round 12, North have won four times and lost to West Coast by two points.
"We're confident and we're playing good footy," 185-game veteran Firrito said.
"But we're fully aware of the meaning of this game. Richmond will come at us a hundred miles an hour and we'll look to meet them head-on."
Firrito said having Nathan Grima fit and in form was a big factor.
"He's a very important player for us," Firrito said.
"They've got Jack Riewoldt and Luke McGuane who are big targets down there for Richmond so he (Grima) will have his work cut out again."
Firrito said teenager Shaun Atley's pace had added a new dimension to North's defence.
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