Richmond Tigers vs GWS Giants

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On Saturday, the defending premiers take on the resurgent GWS Giants. It's a crucial game for both teams as the top eight begins to take shape.

Richmond has a history of bouncing back from losses this season and should be able to hold off the Giants. GWS has won four of their last five games, so don't expect a Tigers thrashing.

Following their last two losses, the Richmond Tigers have won their next game.
The Richmond Tigers have won each of their six home games against the GWS Giants.
The GWS Giants have won four out of their last five games.

The GWS Giants have won three of their last five matches against the Richmond Tigers, but the overall head-to-head record is 10-5.

Last year's match was won by the Giants 62-50, but they lost both matches in 2019, including the Grand Final.

Richmond has won all six of their games against GWS at home.

The Tigers are coming off a 63-point thrashing at the MCG in a rematch of the 2020 Grand Final against the Geelong Cats.

In a dominant Geelong performance, the Cats kicked 13 goals in the second half to the Tigers' two majors.

The Tigers have had a rollercoaster year so far, sitting eighth on a crowded ladder with four wins and four losses.

Their inside 50 statistics can be blamed for a lot of their inconsistencies. The Tigers are second in the league in terms of inside 50s, but they are 14th in terms of efficiency once they are inside their attacking 50.

Shai Bolton, a high-flying midfielder, is out with a fractured wrist, joining Trent Cotchin and Shane Edwards on the injured list.

Dylan Grimes is expected to return after completing concussion protocols, but Daniel Rioli appears to be out as well.

Patrick Naish, a medical sub, could be promoted to a full-time position to replace Edwards.

GWS Giants have won four of their last five games, including a thrilling 107-105 victory over Essendon Bombers last weekend.

The Giants are a far different team than the one that started the season with three straight losses, and they now appear to be a legitimate top-eight contender.

With over 43 Rebound 50s per game, the Giants are second in the league.

With a big win over the Tigers on Saturday, they'll be back in the top eight for the first time since Round 16 of last season.

Lachie Keeffe, a key defender, has suffered an ACL injury and will miss the rest of the season.

Jeremy Finlayson has received a one-week suspension and will be unavailable.

Nick Haynes and Sam Reid are both expected to miss this game, but could return the following week.

Forward Jesse Hogan could return if he passes this week's training checks.

In Round 9, this is the match with the most on the line. The winner of this competition provides their team with some much-needed breathing room within the top eight. The Tigers are expected to rebound once more, but don't expect a rout.