As Richmond host Sydney at Etihad Stadium tonight, David King previews the enthralling battle between Alex Rance and Lance Franklin.
Arguably the best players of their position in the league, Rance and Franklin will be playing for bragging rights as the All-Australian pair meet again.
“We talk about the staging, the diving, the fun parts, the theatrics of these two going head to head, but it is personal between these two, there’s no doubt about that,” King told SEN’s Whateley.
“I know Alex looks forward to this opportunity every time.
“He wants this match-up, he wants to build and enhance his reputation.
“This is what stars do, they crave this opportunity.”
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Who would you take first, Alex Rance or Lance Franklin?
King has assessed the duo’s recent encounters and believes there is little separating them so far.
“It’s two a piece over the last four meetings,” King said.
“I just think what Alex has a tremendous ability to do is deny him marks inside forward 50.”
Franklin booted seven goals against the Tigers in a dominant display in 2016, but aside from that match, King says Rance has played the four-time Coleman Medallist well.
“He’s taken one, two and three (marks inside 50) in their past four meetings,” King said.
“Now I don’t know of anyone else that has been able to do that.
“That’s the key tonight, where he allows Lance to get the football.”
The top of the table clash kicks off at 7:20pm tonight from Etihad Stadium.
Listen to the full interview with David King below.