Cauldron effect to favour Richmond, says Hardwick

DAMIEN Hardwick believes a cauldron-type MCG atmosphere will help his Richmond side in their crucial AFL battle against a Greater Western Sydney side making a rare appearance at the code’s most celebrated venue.

In almost six seasons, today’s game will be just the 11th for the Giants at the MCG, where they have a 1-9 record.

“We feel we get our home crowd there. It’s certainly tough playing away (to us),” Hardwick said.

“We knew that and we hope to get 50,000 people there on the weekend, to help get us over the line. If you create that loud cauldron type effect, it’s certainly going to help our boys.”

While local rivals Sydney have four games scheduled at the MCG this season, the Giants won’t play there again after today unless it’s in the fi- nals. “Not sure what we’ve done to the AFL House to deserve (only) one (game there) but we love playing at The G,” Giants co- captain Phil Davis said on the club’s podcast.

“Obviously it’s where the biggest game of the year’s played.

“So it’s always nice to get down there because you’ve got to learn to play well; if you ever get the opportunity to play there on the last Saturday in September.”

GWS came from behind to pull off a last-gasp win over Richmond earlier this season at Spotless Stadium after trailing for almost the entire game.