Rance to tackle Franklin in AFL clash

Alex Rance will get the job on Sydney's AFL star forward Lance Franklin on Saturday.

Lance Franklin of Sydney, Alex Rance of Richmond contest for the ball.

Alex Rance (R) will get the job on Sydney's AFL star forward Lance Franklin at ANZ Stadium. (AAP)

Richmond are going to try a few things in an attempt to put Sydney off their game on Saturday, as the Tigers' unlikely bid for a place in next week's AFL finals series reaches its climax.

Coach Damien Hardwick's Tigers are the talk of the town. An eight-game winning streak has launched Richmond into eighth spot with one round remaining.

All they have to do is knock off the top side at Sydney's ANZ Stadium to make their finals fairytale a reality.

Hardwick isn't giving away too much in a tactical sense, but he's confident the Tigers can contain Sydney's star-studded forward line which features Coleman Medal leader Lance Franklin.

Gun fullback Alex Rance, who broke even in an entertaining battle with Franklin when the two sides last met, will get the game's toughest assignment again.

The Swans beat Richmond by 11 points in round 14 at the MCG. Franklin kicked four of Sydney's nine goals and had 17 touches, while Rance had 16 possessions and took six marks.

"They had a great contest. It was probably one of the best match-ups we saw this year," Hardwick told reporters on Thursday.

"They had a truckload of one-on-one contests.

"Buddy was a match winner in the end but Alex handled himself really well.

"We've just got to make sure we get some dirty ball inside 50.

"If their ball use is good, Alex is going to struggle.

"We've both got forwards who are dangerous. Our defenders are quite capable also.

"There's certain match-ups that we think are favourable. We won't go into those here and now.

"They're an incredibly talented side so we've got to try a few things to try get them off guard.

"Overall we're confident. We've won a lot of games in a row.

"There's no better place you'd rather be than having your destiny is in our own hands."

Richmond spearhead Jack Riewoldt, who kicked six goals last week against St Kilda, won't have to fight a lone battle up forward.

Hardwick says the Tigers have some midfielders who can go forward, such as Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin and Brett Deledio.

"We think it's a weapon for us," Hardwick said.


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