GWS go into Saturday’s match facing an imposing record - the Tigers have beaten the Giants in all four of their clashes at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
There’s never been a better time for GWS to turn that around - the Giants have dropped their last two matches in a row, with losses to Essendon and the Brisbane Lions.
The Giants and the Tigers have a short if storied rivalry, coming to a head in the 2017 Preliminary Final. We know how that match ended, and what Richmond went on to accomplish. GWS will be keen to notch a rare MCG win, and one over the Tigers will be even sweeter.
Speaking on podcast The Footy Phil this week, Giants defender Sam Reid touched on the mental side of footy ahead of the game with Richmond.
“This week’s going to be more mental - make sure we’re mentally sharp and we’re fresh.
“Physically, you’ve got to get your prep right and you’ve also mentally got to get your prep right.
“This week, players will be spending more time mentally making sure they’re sharp and ready to go.”
Reid emphasised the emotional side of footy, and how the past two weeks have been felt by the players.
“It really hurts when we lose - we were gutted on the weekend, we’re very disappointed. It’s two weeks in a row. It hurts, it sticks with us.”
The Giants will be boosted by the return of star Lachie Whitfield - in their Round 3 skirmish with the Tigers the All-Australian mid gathered 42 possessions, 12 marks, eight inside 50s and three goal assists.