Richmond ready for challenge of Swans

‘Anywhere, anytime’ declare Tigers

AFL: Anywhere, anytime. It’s the mantra coach Damien Hardwick is preaching as Richmond prepare for tomorrow night’s “home” top-of-the-table clash against Sydney at Etihad Stadium.

Premiership stars Dion Prestia and David Astbury are set to return, as Hardwick refused to criticise the AFL’s scheduling, despite the MCG – where the Tigers have won their past 16 games – sitting vacant.

The Swans have won 14 of their past 15 matches at Etihad.

“It is what it is. We can’t change it, we accept it,” Hardwick said.

“We’re happy to play them anywhere, anytime as most clubs would be.

“It’s going to be a terrific encounter, we encourage as many of our members to get there as we can. We certainly love and value their support and they certainly help us get over the line.

“We expect a real pro-Tiger crowd to get there and support us.”

Prestia suffered a calf injury in round seven and hasn’t played since.

The classy midfielder has played just four games this season but Hardwick said he didn’t need a game in the VFL before making his senior return.

“Dion’s had a really good solid training block so he’ll put his hand up straight away for AFL, we’ll make that decision today,” Hardwick said.

“We did consider it (VFL for Prestia), but the fact is we got two really good training blocks in with Dion and that was always the train of thought, to get him right for AFL.

“He’s such a vital player to the way we play and I can’t wait to have him back.

“He’ll get through training today and he’ll put his hand up and he’ll play this week.”

League rules dictate that even non-tenant clubs, like the Tigers, play at least one home game at the Docklands ground.

The public reaction of Swans coach John Longmire, whose side have played once at the MCG this year, was akin to that normally reserved for losing a star through injury.

“You don’t have any say in it. We take what we can get, as far as MCG games,” Longmire said in Sydney.

Longmire expanded on his feelings when pressed about interstate clubs’ desire to play more games at the home of football.

“There’s been talk about consideration in regards to that, and I think that needs to be discussed,” he said.

“I leave that to the presidents to sort out.

“If the grand final is played here, at Adelaide Oval or in Perth, I think that Melbourne people might have a bit of a different perspective on that.

“It just depends what lens you look through, doesn’t it.

“After all, it’s a home ground.”

Star Sydney foward Lance Franklin will play his 100th game for the Swans tomorrow night.