The Anzac Eve clash between Richmond and Melbourne is quickly becoming one of the best fixtures on the AFL calendar – but can the Tigers make a game of it?<\/p>\n
The winless Tigers have their work cut out in this Anzac Eve clash against a Melbourne side that has been a revelation under Steven King.<\/p>\n
Richmond has been hit hard by injuries, with Tim Taranto sidelined alongside several key contributors.<\/p>\n
Can they keep this competitive?<\/p>\n
It\u2019s hard to see Richmond staying with Melbourne here. The Tigers were competitive in Round 1 against Carlton, but since then their five losses have all been by 7+ goals, with an average losing margin of 60.2 points.<\/p>\n
Melbourne thrives at the MCG, covering the line in nine of their last 11 at the ground, including all four games this season where they remain undefeated at the \u2018G.<\/p>\n
The return of Tom Lynch gives Richmond a focal point up forward, but with Taranto, Banks and Rioli all out, supply could be a major issue.<\/p>\n
Ross has been attending around 50% of centre bounces this season, and that number should rise with Taranto out.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s averaging 21.7 disposals per game and has hit 20+ in four of six games.<\/p>\n
Even with Melbourne\u2019s strong form, opposition midfielders have still found plenty of the ball, giving Ross another opportunity for a big game after 26 disposals last week.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s been a breakout season for Sharp, perfectly suited to Steven King\u2019s system with his running power.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s kicked eight goals this season and has scored in every game.<\/p>\n
Against a vulnerable Richmond defence, he should get his chances again.<\/p>\n
Tholstrup has become a key piece under King, starting the season as a tagger before settling into a role across half-back.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s recorded 20+ disposals in each of the last two games, including 26 against Brisbane last week.<\/p>\n
That performance featured 10 kick-ins, playing on from all of them, highlighting his growing role in Melbourne\u2019s ball movement.<\/p>\n