Unpredictability could be the key to breaking down a Richmond defence that has become one of the AFL’s best, according to former Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd. 

No team has scored more than 90 points against the Tigers since May. 

Richmond is fifth on the ladder; ranked fourth in defence and coming off a 91 point win over Collingwood. 

“Collingwood had ten more inside 50’s but they just couldn’t identify any space,” Lloyd said. 

“Guys like (Alex) Rance, Troy Chaplin and (Jake) Batchelor if you give them nice easy leads up at the footy they can go to school on you because they’re pretty quick and pretty strong. 

“Joey (Daniher) and (Cale) Hooker just can’t afford to be stationary, they’ve got to get on their bikes and work their defenders over for most of the night.” 

Conor McKenna will form part of the Essendon forward line. 

The 19 year old from Northern Ireland will play his first game for the club and Lloyd said he’d bring a unique skill set. 

“Conor’s a livewire, he’s actually a pretty good decision maker,” he said.

“He’s a pretty good set shot for goal so if he plays in the forward line I think he adds a little bit of a different dimension. 

“I think he’ll be a good crumber, obviously the pace of the game – he might turn the ball over every now and then but I think he’s a livewire and gives plenty of energy to the group.”