The pressure valve has been released at Tigerland for the short term after a rousing win over old enemy Collingwood last week, but the task now facing them is one they have not been able to accomplish in over a decade.

There is having the wood over a team and then there is Geelong’s run of success against the Tigers, which sees the Cats victorious the past 11 times the two clubs have met.

As a season under siege runs its course, Richmond coach Damien Hardwick will know full well what a streak-breaking win over Geelong would do for his side and his future, which makes selection this week all them more interesting.

Named emergency for the Tigers last week, Kane Lambert starred in the VFL with a best on ground performance which has put his name firmly in the selection mix at Punt Road.

Lambert kicked three goals to go with 37 disposals and seven marks.

Talented forward Ben Lennon also returned to the VFL Tigers’ side from an ankle injury and booted three majors of his own amongst 23 disposals and 12 marks in a display which signalled he should be considered at AFL level this week, whilst Liam McBean continues to press his case too with four goals.

The issue will be whether a spot can open up in the senior side and the man most likely in the gun would appear to be Ben Griffiths.

Six disposals and no scoreboard impact would not be considered a positive outing for the 24-year-old but his omission would force either Shaun Hampson to ruck solo or the likes of Tyrone Vickey to act as back-up ruckman – both propositions which may not appeal to Richmond’s coaching staff.

As far as injury concerns, midfielder-forward Shane Edwards is listed as a test with a calf injury and must be in some doubt, whilst Reece Conca will also need to prove his fitness thanks to a hamstring concern.

With one potential change, here is how the Tigers are expected to line up in round 21:

OUT: B.Griffiths

IN: B.Lennon