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A preview of the opening match of round six of the AFL between Richmond and Melbourne at the MCG.

PREVIEW OF OPENING GAME OF AFL ROUND SIX (all times AEST):

WEDNESDAY, April 24

Richmond v Melbourne at MCG, 7.35pm

Head to Head: Tigers 105 Demons 82 drawn 2

Last clash: Round 5, 2018 - Tigers 15.12 (102) bt Demons 8.8 (56) at MCG

The knives are out for Simon Goodwin and the bottom-placed Demons, whose only victory this season has come against a listless Sydney. Given the talent on their list, their widely-dissected problems are far from insurmountable. But last week's loss to St Kilda reinforced the sense that the Dees are carrying far too many passengers. They will need to dig deep on the Anzac Eve stage to overcome a Tigers side that has begun to rediscover its best form, with Jack Riewoldt's return an added bonus. Neville Jetta's long-term knee injury is a big blow for Melbourne's battling backline.

Key: The spread. Melbourne's midfielders have a worrying tendency to get sucked into contests, allowing their opponents easy outside run. Richmond will punish such ill discipline.

Tip: Tigers by 27 points