Round 3 Match Preview: Richmond vs Hawthorn

Both teams will looking to get back on the winners list after underwhelming performances in Round 2.

Richmond vs Hawthorn, Thursday, 7:10pm at the MCG:

The opening fixture of Round 3 will garner copious attention, as both teams look to rectify poor performances from the previous week.

For Richmond, it was the story of leaving themselves too much to do late, as they gave Collingwood a 24 point lead at quarter-time.

After failing to score a goal in the opening quarter, the Tigers rallied to only concede one goal for the remainder of the game.

Despite the match being unable to live up to the justifiable hype, the 5.6 (36)-all draw became the teams’ first drawn match against each other since 1917.

It was also the lowest aggregate score for an AFL game since 1999, providing further evidence that the contest was far from the high-scoring spectacle many desired.

Although many fans and pundits are raising some small concerns about the Tigers, it’s Hawthorn who go into this game under the most heat.

The Hawks are coming off a 61-point belting by Geelong at GMHBA Stadium last Friday night.

Despite a commendable first half by Alastair Clarkson’s men, his side capitulated, only scoring seven points for the remainder of the match.

Clarkson’s side will regain some much needed fire power, as Jaeger O’Meara returns to the side, replacing Harry Morrison (omitted).

Shaun Burgoyne will also feature tonight, after much of the AFL world expected the veteran to miss the clash for his sling tackle on Cats star Patrick Dangerfield.

The Tigers will be without Dustin Martin, who will miss the game with bruised ribs. Liam Baker will also miss the clash, after returning to Perth for a funeral.

Jack Ross and Josh Caddy will replace the duo, with Richmond’s squad looking to continue their good run of form against the Hawks.

The Tigers have won four of the last five games against the Hawks, with their last last lose against Clarkson’s men coming in Round 7, 2016.

Despite a frustrating draw that denied Damien Hardwick’s men a 14th consecutive victory, expect the Tigers to be way too strong for Hawthorn.

A second-straight loss for the Hawks will create numerous doubters on whether their ageing list is capable of making finals in 2020.

For Richmond, a victory tonight will temporarily perch them atop of the AFL ladder, giving the reigning premiers the best platform to defend their 2019 title.

Prediction: Richmond by 42 points.