After suffering losses in the first five rounds, the Lions held off a late charge from St Kilda at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium on ANZAC Day to post their first win for the year.
Speaking ahead of the Swans’ final training session at the SCG, Richards said Brisbane’s first win, as well as their recent efforts against the competition’s top sides, would give the Lions plenty of confidence heading into Saturday night’s match at the Gabba.
“I’m sure that (the win) will give them confidence, but at the same time I noticed that they’ve played Hawthorn, Geelong and Port Adelaide, who are three pretty good teams,” Richards said.
“They lost to those guys but it’s not like they’ve been having easy games early in the year.
“Even in the games they’ve lost, they’ve played pretty good footy, and then they had the win last week, so just like us, they’re trying to get the win this week too.”
After collecting back-to-back wins for the first time this season, the Swans will be looking to continue to build momentum with another with this week.
Richards will play an important role, with the defender likely to match up on three-time premiership winning forward Jonathan Brown.
Richards said Brown, who has booted six goals in last two weeks, was, as always, key to the Lions’ success.
“There’s a fair chance (I’ll play on him) and that’s what history says,” Richards said.
“We’ve played on each other a fair bit over the years … and I’m fully aware of what he’s capable of and how important he is to their team.
“I did a bit of homework this morning and I saw that he’s been pretty accurate and he’s kicked 13.4, so if you give him a chance he’s probably going to kick a goal.
“Whether it’s Heath Grundy, myself or someone else, we’ve got to limit those opportunities for him.”
Richards will head into Saturday night’s match in good form following strong defensive efforts against Fremantle and Melbourne in the past two weeks, and will look to continue that against Brisbane.
“Probably just like the team, I’ve been a bit inconsistent,” he said.
“I think I’ve played some good football at times, but then there have been some contests I wish I could get back, or some quarters.
“I had a pretty good duel with (Matthew) Pavlich out here at the SCG a couple of weeks ago, but that’s my role and I pretty much play on the key forward every week and try to play my role for the team.”
