GET TO the MCG on Friday night if you can as 'Buddy' Franklin and the Sydney Swans roll into town.
The Swans’ superstar forward is back at the 'G for just the second time this season and he is in breathtaking form.
Last Saturday's fourth-quarter heroics against Port Adelaide inspired the Swans' eighth straight win and cemented them as premiership favourites, with wins against Fremantle, Geelong and the Power in that streak.
Richmond defender Alex Rance shapes as Franklin's opponent on Friday night as the Tigers chase their fourth win for the season.
It will be a massive task for Damien Hardwick's men, who lost to Fremantle by 20 points in round 13 but impressed with their effort, if not their composure in crucial moments.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Friday June 20, 7.50pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
MATCH DAY INFORMATION: Click here for Friday's match information
LAST FIVE TIMES
R18, 2013, Sydney Swans 16.14 (110) d Richmond 9.9 (63) at the SCG
R7, 2012, Richmond 13.13 (91) d Sydney Swans 8.14 (62) at the MCG
R21, 2011, Richmond 14.15 (99) d Sydney Swans 7.14 (56) at the MCG
R12, 2011, Sydney Swans 9.21 (75) d Richmond 9.11 (65) at the SCG
R14, 2010, Richmond 14.5 (89) d Sydney Swans 12.13 (85) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Swans last defeated Richmond at the MCG in 2009, with the Tigers winning the last three clashes at the venue and four of the last six.
2. The AFL’s top three kick-getters of 2014 will be playing in this game. Swans defender Nick Malceski (206) is ranked No.1 ahead of Tigers Trent Cotchin (205) and Dustin Martin (201).
3. Despite inconsistent form and debate around his role, Tigers star Jack Riewoldt is ranked No.1 in the AFL for marks inside 50 (53). Richmond overall is ranked No.4 for marks in attack.
4. The Swans were ranked No.1 in the AFL for hit-outs last season, but they have dropped to No.18 this year with just 33.5 a game. Ruckman Shane Mumford, who averaged 26 hit-outs for the Swans last year, was traded to GWS.
5. Richmond's lack of run and dare is evident in their drop-off in running bounces. Ranked No.4 for running bounces last season, with an average of 14.2 a game, they have dropped to No.13 this year with an average of 8.7.
6. Lance Franklin's brilliant fourth quarter against Port Adelaide in round 13 ensured he made a leap in the Official AFL Player Ratings, brought to you by Gatorade. He jumped from No.18 to No.14 overall and is now ranked No.3 at the Swans.
