Richmond coach Damien Hardwick "hates" his side playing at Marvel Stadium and has called on the AFL to schedule all of the club's future home matches at the MCG.
The Tigers are one of several MCG tenant clubs who are forced to play select fixtures at the league-owned Docklands venue each season because of long-standing AFL contracts.
Richmond CEO Brendon Gale this week said playing Saturday night's home match against Greater Western Sydney away from the MCG would "minimise crowds" and cost his club "hundreds of thousands of dollars".
During the build-up, Hardwick said he was happy to play "anytime, anywhere" and that the venue didn't concern him.
But the three-time premiership coach changed his tune after just 18,798 fans were on hand to witness the Tigers' thrilling four-point win over the Giants.
"The truth of the matter is you can play Richmond games here (at Marvel Stadium), but they don't come," Hardwick said.
"So if you want big crowds, play our home games at the 'G. It's a pretty simple solution for mine."
Richmond boast more than 100,000 members and have averaged crowds of more than 50,000 in four home matches at the MCG so far this season.
Hardwick was pressed on why Tigers fans don't attend Marvel Stadium fixtures in big numbers.
"Mate, I hate coming here. I probably shouldn't say that," he said.
"The MCG has got soul. It's got Richmond people there. Our people don't come here, plain and simple.
"I'd love them to come, but the fact of the matter is I can't drive them all here."
Richmond's remaining six home matches this season are all scheduled at the MCG.
They will also play four away matches at the ground in 2021, including one against Geelong.
The Tigers, who beat St Kilda in an away match at Marvel Stadium in round five, are not scheduled to play at the Docklands venue again this season.
Australian Associated Press
