Tiger trio to take on big Buddy

WHEREVER Buddy roams, Richmond are ready.

Tigers coach Damien Hardwick has the utmost confidence that his trio of key defenders can handle Sydney star Lance Franklin in Saturday’s massive AFL clash.

Franklin has kicked 35 goals this season and shares the Coleman Medal lead with Greater Western Sydney forward Jeremy Cameron.

While fans are pumping up a Franklin versus Alex Rance duel, Hardwick said it was more complicated than that.

“I will back any of our key defenders versus Buddy – Dave Astbury is in terrific form, as is Dylan Grimes,” Hardwick said.

“All three of those guys are really putting their hands up to getting Buddy at any stage.

“The thing about Buddy is he plays deep, he can play up the ground, so we feel we have the match-ups to force their hand a little bit.

“But in saying that, if the supply comes in without pressure, they’re going to kick some goals.”

Franklin booted seven goals when the two sides clashed in Round 23 last season and Hardwick noted that was ancient history. Richmond were limping to the end of a disappointing season and Sydney were surging to a grand-final.