By Alex Malcolm 08:03pm July 22THESE two teams have underperformed this year and this game is an important test as both are trying to prove they are improving late in the season. The Tigers beat Port Adelaide impressively before the bye while the Eagles outlasted the Brisbane Lions at the **ba. The Tigers stunned West Coast at Patersons Stadium last year, kicking six goals to none in the second term to set-up a 41-point win. The Eagles will have the added motivation of Dean Cox's looming retirement. Both sides have struggled in key indicators this year. Both teams are ranked in the bottom eight for inside 50s, tackles and contested possessions this season.
WHERE AND WHEN: Patersons Stadium, Friday July 25, 6.40pm AWST TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide LAST FIVE TIMESR10, 2013, Richmond 16.7 (103) d West Coast 8.14 (62) at Patersons Stadium
R5, 2012, West Coast 16.11 (107) d Richmond 14.13 (97) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2011, West Coast 22.15 (147) d Richmond 14.6 (90) at Patersons Stadium
R12, 2010, Richmond 19.12 (126) d West Coast 11.11 (77) at MCG
R22, 2009, West Coast 17.23 (125) d Richmond 6.9 (45) at Patersons Stadium
Want to watch the game LIVE? Click here for your free trial of AFL Live Pass THE SIX POINTS1. Richmond’s defeat of West Coast at Patersons Stadium last year was a rare win at the venue for the Tigers. The clubs have met here 16 times, with the Eagles winning 13 of the clashes.
2. West Coast is ranked 10th in the AFL for inside 50s this season and Richmond 11th – both one place higher than they stand on the ladder. The Eagles are averaging 49.9 inside 50s a game, the Tigers 49.7.
3. Richmond has struggled in contested possession this season. The Tigers are ranked 14th with an average of 134.2 a game. West Coast is ranked eighth at 140.4.
4. Richmond has been a poor tackling side this year, ranked 15th with an average of 64.2 per game. West Coast is seventh for tackles at 68 a game.
5. Tiger forward Jack Riewoldt has played eight times against the Eagles for four wins and four losses. He kicked 10 goals at the MCG in mid-2010 against West Coast and has booted four or more three other times. Yet, excluding that 2010 haul, his average against the Eagles is below his career average.
6. Neither team has a player ranked in the top 40 of the Official AFL Player Ratings. Nic Naitanui is the highest ranked Eagle at 41, having dropped outside the top 40 for the first time since round 10, 2012. Brett Deledio is the highest ranked Tiger at 53. Prediction: West Coast by six points
