Richmond coach Damien Hardwick admits superstar Dustin Martin needs to lift his defensive workrate after a fortnight well below his AFL best.
A week after being locked down by relentless North Melbourne tagger Ben Jacobs, the reigning Brownlow Medallist was somewhat ineffective during last week's 47-point loss to ladder-leaders West Coast.
Most midfielders would consider it a good day at the office to walk away with 26 disposals, 17 contested possessions and eight clearances.
But the supremely talented Martin is no ordinary player, and the 26-year-old - who failed to register a tackle and was twice caught holding the ball by Elliot Yeo in the third quarter alone - was quick to concede he had work to do.
"I think defensively last week, he had eight pressure points which is below his level of expectation," Hardwick said on Friday.
"He's the first one to put up his hand. He said he didn't think that he did well enough.
"He'll tackle a lot better this week."
Hardwick added that Martin had been a victim of high expectations after becoming the first player to win the Brownlow, Norm Smith and premiership medal trifecta.
"Dustin's been okay," he said.
"He had a year that will be very hard for anyone to surpass and he's still a really important player for what he does."
Few would bet against Martin and the second-placed Tigers bouncing back at the MCG against a Saints side whose only win this season has come against fellow cellar-dwellers Brisbane.
Beleaguered coach Alan Richardson will welcome back key talls Jake Carlisle and Paddy McCartin from injury as the Saints look to address their woeful inaccuracy in front of goal.
Richmond spearhead Jack Riewoldt has been cleared to play after a heavy collision with West Coast enforcer Liam Duggan left him coughing up blood.
But defender Dylan Grimes is a late withdrawal, clearing the way for premiership player Brandon Ellis to make his first appearance since round five.
The reigning premiers will also have a different look in their forward line.
Jason Castagna has been rested with general soreness and Jacob Townsend has been dropped along with Sam Lloyd.
Young tall Callum Moore has been given the nod ahead of Mabior Chol to replace Townsend while Jack Higgins and Connor Menadue have also been recalled.
"The thing is with Callum, he's incredibly quick," Hardwick said.
"I think he's one of the quickest players at our club so once again, we pick a dynamic forward line."
Hardwick said Dion Prestia was "doubtful" for next week's game against Essendon with the Tigers taking a cautious approach in his recovery from a calf injury.
