Richmond badly need Damien Hardwick's flawless AFL record against Brisbane to last at least one more game.
The Lions are the only team yet to beat the Tigers since Hardwick took over as coach in 2010.
Sixth-placed Richmond will start overwhelming favourites on Sunday at Etihad Stadium against the bottom side.
But recent events will have long-suffering Tigers fans nervous.
Richmond were appalling last week against St Kilda, falling as much as 95 points behind before going down by 67.
And the last time the Lions visited Etihad Stadium a fortnight ago, they plunged Essendon into crisis with one of the upset wins of the season.
It showcased some rich potential at Brisbane, who will welcome back No.2 draft pick Josh Schache for his first senior game since round eight.
In Schache and Eric Hipwood, the Lions have the makings of a key forward pairing that could terrorise opposition defences for the next decade.
At Richmond, Hardwick went old-school in the wake of the St Kilda loss and ordering mouthguards at training.
Contested ball has been the focus heading into Sunday's game.
"We were beaten up around the ball, which is unlike us, and St Kilda took it up to us in the contested nature of the game - and we faltered," Hardwick said.
"That (was) the first thing we addressed in our review this week and the thing we're looking to rectify (against Brisbane)."
Richmond and Brisbane reacted to last week's heavy losses - Geelong mauled Lions by 85 points - with a combined seven axings.
Anthony Miles, a contested-ball specialist, returns for the Tigers.
Nick Vlastuin, Nathan Broad and Ivan Soldo are also back, while Sam Lloyd, Taylor Hunt, Connor Menadue and Tyson Stengle were dropped.
The Lions also recalled Ben Keays and Cedric Cox for Matthew Hammelmann, Rohan Bewick and Archie Smith.
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