It’s just a one day break between Rounds 5 and 6 in the AFL with the latter set to get underway on Wednesday night with what has now become the traditional ANZAC Day Eve clash between the Demons and Tigers!
With so much AFL action happening over the next week, be sure to check out our AFL Tips Page for regular previews, tips and more content. Today we take a look at the Round 6 opener between Richmond and Melbourne and give our betting tips for the game below!
AFL Round 6 Richmond vs Melbourne Betting Tips
Wednesday 24th of April, 7.35pm AEST, MCG
The Tigers will be hunting their third straight win after bouncing back from two losses in a row while the Demons will be hoping to get their season on track after losing four of their opening five games.
Richmond
The Tigers looked down and out in the 2019 season after losing arguably their four best players to injury and suspension and consequently losing two games in a row to the Magpies and the Giants. However, they have bounced back to win their last two games in a row, the first of which being a fantastic away win in Adelaide over the Power.
They were dominant from start to finish against the Swans at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night leading for the majority of the game and coming away with a 22 point win. Dion Prestia was fantastic in the win, racking up 32 touches while Dustin Martin returned from his one game suspension with a 25 disposal, 3 goal game.
The Tigers currently sit just outside the top eight as one of nine teams with a 3-2 record after five games. Their injury list is still a concern with Trent Cotchin, Shaun Grigg, Jayden Short, Alex Rance and Jack Riewoldt on the sidelines. Mav Weller could add extra depth and grunt in the Tigers forward line this Wednesday but that’s about the only positive to come out of the medial room at Punt Road.
Melbourne
After losing their first three games of the season, the Demons finally looked to have found some form in Round 4 against the Swans when they captured a 22 point win. However, they failed to back it up against St Kilda at the MCG on Saturday, going down by 40 points in what was a horrendous performance.
The Saints shot out to a three goal lead at the end of the first half and never looked back as they piled on five goals to zero in the third quarter to ice the game completely. Melbourne’s injury list is a real concern, however, they looked disinterested against the Saints and their lack of depth and desire was really put on display.
Clayton Oliver was the best of the bad bunch for the Demons, racking up 31 touches, while Angus Brayshaw had 27 disposals and a goal.
History
2018 Round 5 – Melbourne (8.8.56) lost to Richmond (15.12.102)
2017 Round 5 – Richmond (12.16.88) defeated Melbourne (11.9.75)
2016 Round 5 – Melbourne (20.9.129) defeated Richmond (14.12.96)
2015 Round 4 – Richmond (6.15.51) lost to Melbourne (12.11.83)
2014 Round 9 – Richmond (9.20.74) lost to Melbourne (14.7.91)
2013 Round 8 – Richmond (15.16.106) defeated Melbourne (11.6.72)
Prediction
Hard to have any faith in the Demons at the moment. Their injury list is severe but they also look like they just have no desire to win. The Tigers night not be in as much trouble as many thought after losing back to back games to the Pies and Giants, granted, they are arguably both top four teams.
The Tigers have won their last two games in a row against the Demons and while it seems a few teams in the AFL have figured out how to stem the influence of their run and gun play-style, we don’t think Melbourne are one of them.
The Tigers start as 14.5 point favourites here and we are happy to back them at that spread.
