Richmond Tigers face West Coast Eagles in final win‑or‑tanking showdown

Richmond Football Club, sitting 18th on the AFL ladder, will meet 16th‑placed West Coast Eagles in Round 21 of the 2026 season. The match is viewed as Richmond's last realistic chance to avoid the wooden spoon and to stay ahead of Essendon for the top spot in the standings. Coach Adam Yze rejected media speculation that the club might deliberately lose – or “tank” – to retain the number‑one pick in the national draft, saying the team is focused on finishing the season strongly and making its fans proud.

A win would drop Richmond from the first draft pick, potentially affecting its ability to sign restricted free agent Zak Butters, while a loss could preserve that valuable selection. West Coast, coming off a long losing streak, also sees the game as a final opportunity to secure a win before the season's closing fixtures. After the match, Richmond will travel to Adelaide to play the Crows.