All the experts have us as the underdogs again this week.
Match preview: Richmond v West Coast Nathan Schmook
AFL.com.au
4 April 2017SUMMARYRichmond is 2-0 for just the second time since 1997, matching its start to the 2013 season and generating excitement that has been lacking at Punt Road Oval in recent times. The early-season surge has been based on tackling pressure and an attacking mindset when they have they ball, with the players encouraged to play on instinct. Despite periods on the back foot against Collingwood in round two, Richmond hung in and star midfielders Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin drove them home in the final quarter. Saturday's clash against West Coast presents the biggest test yet for Damien Hardwick's men and it will reveal plenty about their progress in 2017, with doubters remaining. The Eagles are also 2-0 after wins against North Melbourne and St Kilda, with this week's match-up also shaping as their toughest test so far, given the Tigers' form. The forward line has been outstanding, with Josh Kennedy coming to the rescue against the Saints to kick three late goals to snatch a 19-point win at Domain Stadium.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, April 8, 2.10pm AEST
LAST FIVE TIMES
R4, 2016, West Coast 18.17 (125) d Richmond 9.3 (57) at Domain Stadium
R12, 2015, West Coast 13.12 (90) d Richmond 10.10 (70) at the MCG
R18, 2014, Richmond 8.11 (59) d West Coast 6.6 (42) at Domain Stadium
R10, 2013, Richmond 16.7 (103) d West Coast 8.14 (62) at Domain Stadium
R5, 2012, West Coast 16.11 (107) d Richmond 14.13 (97) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS1. West Coast thrashed Richmond the last time the sides played, winning the inside 50s 60-27 and taking 20 marks in attack to just eight. Andrew Gaff was best on ground with 33 disposals and six inside 50s.
2. The Tigers' tackling has improved out of sight in 2017. They have averaged 72.5 across two games to rank No.2 in the AFL, having ranked last in 2016 (60.1 a game).
3. The Eagles rank No.1 so far in 2017 for scoring, kicking a total of 39 goals. Josh Kennedy, Mark LeCras, Josh Hill and Jack Darling have kicked 24 goals between them.
4. This will be a battle of contrasting game styles, based on the opening two rounds. The Eagles are ranked second for disposals per game (418) while the Tigers are ranked last (344).
5. West Coast holds the advantage 25-16 in the 42 clashes between these teams, winning four of the past six. The Eagles have also won four of the past five clashes between the teams at the MCG.
6. Star Richmond midfielder Dustin Martin finished last year ranked 30th in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, but after two impressive performances to start the season, he has moved up to a career-high No.21.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Josh Kennedy.
The reigning Coleman medallist comes up against All Australian full-back Alex Rance in a mouth-watering match-up. Kennedy leads the AFL after two games with 11 goals, but this will be his toughest match-up so far. The star Eagle averages 2.7 goals a game at Domain Stadium but that drops to 1.5 at the MCG. A big game from the sharpshooter will go a long way to securing a 3-0 start for the Eagles.
PREDICTION: West Coast by 18 pointshttp://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-04-03/match-preview-richmond-v-west-coast