With the GIANTS looking to win for the first time over Richmond, we’ve taken a look at what’s been happening at Punt Road Oval before they make their way to Canberra.
Richmond are spruiking the form of Dustin Martin who racked up a game high 39 disposals in their 70 point loss to Hawthorn on Sunday.
The classy on-baller picked up five votes in the AFL Coaches Association Player of the Year Award, pushing him into third spot behind Adelaide’s Rory Sloane.
On Thursday Richmond Coach Damien Hardwick backtracked on his comments about Martin during Sunday’s post match press conference.
Hardwick said he wasn’t pleased with Martin’s efforts against the reigning premiers and refused to talk about his chances in the Brownlow Medal.
“I didn’t think he was that good,” he said on Sunday.
“He handballed too much early and put ourselves under pressure.
“The Brownlow to me is irrelevant. Wins and losses matter to me. It’s probably an event I’m required to got to but it’s not high on my agenda, I’ll give you the tip.”
The Tigers coach later admitted his comments overstepped the mark.
"You're talking to a coach who has just come off a 10-goal loss and you're asking about an individual award, which I've got no interest in," he said.
"I'm more interested in wins and losses, and if you ask Dustin, you know what he is more interested in? Wins and losses.
"So it was more along the line of the questioning. I don't really care about the Brownlow and I know Dustin doesn't either.
“We speak all the time, there are stages where I overstep the mark like I did on the weekend, and 'Dusty' understands that.”
After a poor last quarter against the Hawks, Hardwick said he expected a response against the GIANTS at Manuka Oval.
The Tigers will travel to Canberra without their vice-captain Brett Deledio who injured his calf in Richmond’s round 16 game against Essendon.
Richmond has not put a timeframe on when the 29-year-old will return, however his coach has previously said he won’t rule out the veteran midfielder for the rest of the season.
The on-baller has made some positive steps this week, completing some touch work away from the main group on Tuesday.
Defender Bachar Houli made a successful return to the VFL after missing most of the season with a wrist injury, while Ben Lennon will miss up to three weeks after picking up an ankle injury in the VFL.
Richmond will also sweat on the fitness of defender Dylan Grimes who experienced some hamstring issues during the loss to the Hawks.
The GIANTS play Richmond at Manuka Oval in Canberra on Saturday July 30 at 1.45PM.
