Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has backed his trio of key defenders to handle Sydney star Lance Franklin in Saturday’s massive AFL match at the MCG.

Franklin kicked seven goals against the Tigers in round 23 last season, but Hardwick said Alex Rance has a good record against him, while Dylan Grimes and David Astbury can also help out.

“Alex has a pretty good record against Buddy, to be fair, and I will back any of our key defenders versus Buddy,” Hardwick said.