Richmond coach Adam Yze insists a rare favourites tag is irrelevant when the Tigers take on battling West Coast including former teammates Liam Baker and Jack Graham.
The Tigers (2-6) are expected to snare their third win against Andrew McQualter's Eagles (0-8) at the MCG on Sunday.
"No different to when the odds are against us. We prepare the same way," Yze said.
"We understand what their strengths are and where our opportunities lie, but we understand what's coming.
"They're trying to win their first game, and we're trying to get back on the winners' list as well.
"So we're preparing for a tough contest, as we would do if we were playing against the team on top of the ladder."
Former vice-captain Baker returned to WA via a trade while Graham departed as a free agent.
"They were great Richmond men, and now we understand that they're playing for West Coast," Yze said.
"But a lot of the boys here are friends with them. Understanding the type of people they are, they'll be pretty nervous playing against some of their mates as well.
"But we understand what they'll bring. They're tough competitors, and they'll be trying as hard as they can to get the win for their mob.
"So we can't wait to obviously catch up with them after the game, but it'll be on for young and old during the game."
Defender Noah Balta will play two AFL games in a row for the first time this season, gaining some rare continuity.
Balta missed the first four games through suspension then played in the VFL before returning.
He cannot play night games due to a curfew handed down as part of his assault sentencing.
"He looked a little bit rusty last week early," Yze said.
"He got himself into the game by the end of the game.
"So it'll just be another solid week - he trained really well yesterday, got another good hit-out today and he'll be up against some really talented forwards.
"Jake Waterman's in great form, he kicked four or five goals in a quarter a couple weeks ago. So we know what's coming.
"We're not going to disrespect any of their forwards. He'll be playing on a quality forward and we need him to play well."
Balta received boos from Hawthorn fans last round, though Yze noted he wouldn't have heard much of them.
"But as a coaching staff and as a club, we make sure that we help him through that," he said.
"We give him a bit of stick out here. I think he cops more boos at training from his teammates. So he's a bit of a larrikin and he doesn't mind that.
"In the end, if it does happen again, I think he'll use it to spur him to play well."
