Thursday night footy is back in Round 13 as the Tigers take on the Power from the MCG in the opening game of the round. It's a big game for both clubs with finals implications on the line and as always, we have you covered with a full preview and betting tips for the clash below.
Remember to head to our AFL Tips page for dedicated previews on all six games in Round 13 of the season.
Richmond vs Port Adelaide Betting Tips
MCG, Thursday June 9th, 7.20pm (AEST)
Richmond
Injuries: Tom Lynch (Out) Noah Balta, Kane Lambert (Test)
The Tigers are looking good on the injury front at the moment. Tom Lynch will remain on the sidelines for at least another week but both Noah Balta and Kane Lambert could return to the side this week.
After four straight wins, the Tigers finally dropped a game to the Swans back in Round 11. The bye in Round 12 gave them an opportunity to reset and get a few of their key players healthy. They currently sit outside of the top eight by just one game, but have a game in hand on the two teams directly above them in the Bulldogs and Magpies.
The Tigers have been one of the highest scoring teams in the league over the last five games as they start to rebuild that aggressive style that made them so successful. They have put up 115 points per game across those five weeks and sit behind only the Lions in terms of points per game across the season.
Port Adelaide
Injuries: Orazio Fantasia, Scott Lycett, Jake Pasini, Josh Sinn (Out) Trent McKenzie (Test)
Like their opponents, the Power aren't too hindered by injury coming into this Thursday night clash. Only Fantasia and Lycett are confirmed out from their best 22 while Trent McKenzie will need to pass a fitness test to play.
After losing their first five games of the season, the Power looked well on the road to fighting for a finals berth after winning four straight games. That run faultered slightly in Round 10 as they went down to the Cats by 35 points at GMHBA Stadium.
They were able to go into the bye round with some momentum though, after beating the Bombers in a pretty unconvincing performance in Round 11. They won by just 16 points but looked shaky for long periods throughout the game.
Match Prediction
Despite a long reign of Richmond dominance over the past five years, they haven't exactly had the wood over Port Adelaide. It's probably due to the fact that seven of their last eight games against eachother have come at Adealide Oval.
I think the Tigers hold a firm advantage at the MCG, especially given that they should be just one injury off being full strength on Thursday night. I expect them to cover the small-ish 13.5 point line at home.
Tigers -13.5
$2.00 (2 Units)
Prop Bet
Dustin Martin has played just five games this season but has kicked seven goals and booted multiple majors in two of them. In his last three games against the Power, he has totalled six scoring shots.
Dustin Martin 2+ Goals ($2.25 at Ladbrokes)
When the two sides last met, Jayden Short had 31 touches including a whopping 25 kicks. He scored 113 fantasy points that night and has been in terrific form this season, averaging 103.7 per game. Another big 110+ night on Thursday seems good value.
Short 110+ Fantasy Points ($2.25 at Ladbrokes)
