Howe, who was his side’s best player against the Tigers last time, said Melbourne’s ball movement was a key focus leading into this round, on the back of a disappointing 61-point loss to Brisbane Lions at the Gabba last Sunday.
“It’s always a good battle with Richmond,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“This year they’ve shown some good form, and they’re up and about and the boys have got themselves up this week and they’re excited for a big game.
“Losing by 10 goals [last round] was a fair kick in the guts for the guys, but we won the contested possessions and tackles and we had more inside 50s - it’s just with those inside 50s we have to be a lot cleaner and see if we can consolidate and get the score on the board.”
Howe has backed up his 2011, when he won the club’s best first year player, with a good season in 2012.
“I’ve been getting an opportunity to go up into the midfield and get involved in the play a lot more,” he said.
“It’s helped my game and I’m enjoying playing up in the midfield also and then playing in the forward line still, which is good.
“Getting a mix between both roles is good, and I think it’s helped me a fair bit this year.”
Howe collected an equal career-best 24 disposals and booted two goals against the Tigers in round three. He has since notched up 213 disposals and kicked 12 goals, switching from the midfield to up forward.
“I’m still continuing to learn and get better in my midfield roles, and I keep learning off the good guys like Jonesy and Beamer and guys like that,” he said.
“The more I can get in there, my fitness will still go up as well, and just being able to finish off the year well will give me confidence going into my third year. “
Although in just his second AFL season, the 22 year-old said his body was standing up to the rigours of the game.
“The body is holding up pretty well. In my second year now, it’s getting used to it a little bit more,” he said.
“I’m holding up a lot better than I was this time last year, so hopefully I’ll get through the year unscathed.”
But he added that the odd landing from his almost mandatory ‘hanger’ per match had knocked his body around on occasions.
“The old hammer and tack - the back - cops a bit of a hiding every now and then, but we’ve got great physios and Gaz (Gary Nichols) and Sammy [Pietsch] manage to get me up each week, which is good, so hopefully I can stay injury free,” he said.
As for his best mark of the year so far?
He has no doubt.
“The one against Sydney is probably the best one I’ve had, so definitely that one,” he said.
