Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has described Sunday afternoon’s clash with North as a “great test” for the reigning premiers.
With the Tigers and Roos currently ranked as the best and second-best defensive sides in the competition, the premiership coach believes there will be no shortage of intensity from the two teams.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge of North Melbourne,” Hardwick said.
“It has been in outstanding form.
“You look at the way it plays, it is the second best defensive side in the competition behind us, so it’s really going to challenge us and the way we want play.
“We look forward to that challenge, and the great thing about our boys is that they crave the contest, and that is what North Melbourne is going to bring.”
The likes of Robbie Tarrant, Scott Thompson and the potential inclusion of Majak Daw, may force Hardwick to rethink Richmond’s forward ball movement, in a bid to minimise the impact of North’s strong-marking defenders.
“I think when you say everyone was expecting North to struggle, I think that came from the outside,” he said.
“I think those inside the game probably knew that it is a strong side.
“It has got a really strong back six, it has got a mature spine and they play a really controlled brand of footy.
“Majak’s found his niche down back and he’s becoming a really capable defender, but how it selects its side, we can’t control.
“We’ll atune our side accordingly, but it has got some incredible strength in its back six with how it does mark the ball.”
North has claimed the bragging rights in ten of its past 13 encounters with Richmond, however Hardwick is expecting somewhat of a different Roos side this time around.
“[North’s game style] has probably changed a little bit from last year, when it had a really strong focus on its run and carry through the back-half, and that’s probably been subdued a bit,” he said.
“It’s being a little bit more careful with the ball and I think that’s proving dividends.
“It’s probably not scoring as much, but it is certainly not giving up anywhere near as many points.
“Brad’s a great coach, he does a great job and he has for a long period of time, and we’re looking forward to the challenge of playing them at Etihad under the roof.”
Weather will not be a factor with the match being played at Etihad Stadium, a ground which North seems to play quite well.
Despite being a fellow Victorian club, Hardwick believes North hold a strong home ground advantage heading into this match.
“You’d assume it’d have an advantage, it’s a definitive home advantage as compared to us playing at the ‘G,” he added.
“What we find at Etihad, is that is more a of a dour affair.
“Even though the game is inside, very rarely is it a high-scoring game.
“It’s probably a little bit easier to defend, but how it pans out we’re not sure.”
