Despite enjoying a day out the last time the two sides met, Richmond coach Damien Hardwick believes the Tigers' defence of 2017 can curb Lance Franklin's influence on Saturday afternoon.
Franklin booted 7.4 in Round 23 last season, as the Swans recorded a 113-point win, but Hardwick says his defence, which will all help key defender, Alex Rance at different times, is well equipped to handle the equal leader in the Coleman Medal race.
โI will back any of our key defenders versus Buddy, Dave Astbury is in terrific form, as is Dylan Grimes,โ Hardwick told reporters on Wednesday afternoon.
โAll three of those guys are really putting their hands up to getting Buddy at any stage.
โThe thing about Buddy is he plays deep, he can play up the ground, so we feel we have the match-ups to force their hand a little bit."
However, Hardwick says Franklin's influence will also depend on Richmond's ability to win the midfield battle, but backed his star man in a one-on-one duel.
โIn saying that, if the supply comes in without pressure, theyโre going to kick some goals," he added.
โAlex is a fantastic player, in career-best form again, a three-time All-Australian. Iโm prepared to back in my guy every day of the week.โ
Despite Sydney's recent dominance over much of the competition over the past decade, Richmond has an impressive record against the Swans.
The Tigers have won five of the past eight matches against Sydney.
The two sides clash at the MCG at 1.45pm this Saturday afternoon.
