Midfield coach Josh Francou can’t put his finger on why Richmond has had the better of the Sydney Swans in recent meetings, but believes he’s got the cattle to buck the trend.

The Tigers have won the previous two encounters between the teams, dating back to the end of 2014, when the Swans were the last scalp in a run of nine wins for Damien Hardwick’s men ahead of the finals.

Last year, Richmond again had the winning formula after defeating the Swans at the SCG in Round 13, with Trent Cotchin and Anthony Miles controlling the midfield and Jack Riewoldt booting six goals.

Of the past six matches between the Swans and Tigers, Richmond has been the better team in four of them – two in Sydney, two in Melbourne.

MATCH PREVIEW: Sydney v Richmond

“If you look at any side in the competition, there’s always another side that they always have trouble with,” Francou said.

“Richmond has given us some trouble. What the reason is I’m not 100 per cent sure.

“They’ve obviously got some quality players throughout the side … so they do match up pretty well against us.”

Riewoldt and Ty Vickery make for an imposing forward line when firing, while the likely return of Cotchin and backman Alex Rance fortifies their midfield and defensive stocks.

Playing at the MCG for the first time this season, in front of an often hostile Richmond crowd, will also pose a challenge.

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However, with his midfield group in fine touch and with a star forward who is showing no signs of slowing down, Francou remains confident the Swans can improve on their 6-1 record.

“If you look at the form of the side and talk about players getting into a groove – the Kennedys, the Hanneberys, Kieren (Jack) has been in good form, Tom Mitchell has been able to find the footy,” Francou added.

“Up forward, Franklin has been hitting the scoreboard pretty consistently, Isaac Heeney (impressed) last week.

“Hopefully on the day we can put it together and get enough inside ball to trouble the defenders of Richmond, give our guys up front a chance to get a hold of the footy and hit the scoreboard.

“Fingers crossed that holds us in good stead to winning the contest.”

The Swans' own defensive stocks should be bolstered in light of Ted Richards' availability for Saturday night’s encounter.