West Coast are finally back on the winners list and will be looking to establish some momentum when they come up against the Tigers at the MCG on Sunday.
It will not be an easy task for the Eagles, as Richmond will be reeling from their three-point defeat at the hands of Geelong last weekend.
Remember, Before You Bet will be previewing every game of the 2022 AFL season, so be sure to check out our AFL Tips page for regular updates.
Richmond vs West Coast Betting Tips
MCG, Sunday 3rd July, 2.10pm (AEST)
Richmond
Injuries: Dion Prestia (out), Noah Balta, Trent Cotchin
Dion Prestia will miss this weekend with concussion after copping a sickening blow from Tom Stewart last weekend, while Balta and Cotchin are still a few weeks away.
Richmond would no doubt have been disappointed after going down in one of the best matches of the year last weekend against Geelong. It truly was a finals-like contest, with both teams showing off why they are premiership contenders in 2022, however ultimately only one side could take the four points. Despite the loss, a win against West Coast will have Richmond firmly entrenched in the top eight, and they are certainly starting to fire on all cylinders after a slow start to the year. There is still plenty of room for improvement too – Dustin Martin has not yet reached his former heights this season, and the back six is still finding its groove. Overall, the passionate Tigers faithful should be confident that their team can challenge again in September, as they look to add a fourth premiership to the dynasty.
West Coast
Injuries: Oscar Allen, Campbell Chesser, Tom Cole, Hugh Dixon, Luke Edwards, Tom Joyce, Zac Langdon, Jeremy McGovern, Dom Sheed
Star ruckman Nic Naitanui returns this week, a huge boost for the struggling Eagles who have been consistently monstered in the ruck. The injury list is gradually improving for West Coast, however McGovern and Sheed remain sidelined.
The Eagles finally broke their losing streak last weekend, downing the Bombers to keep the critics at bay for at least a short while. West Coast have had a disastrous season, but perhaps there is something to salvage from the last couple of months, a couple of wins namely. Nic Naitanui is a massive inclusion into the side this week, however with more players returning from injury, expectations will ramp up on the West Australian side to produce performances equal to or better than last week. While the team sheet is looking better on paper, there are still quite a few underdone players lining up and the chemistry will take more than a couple of weeks to re-establish. Nevertheless, the Eagles will back themselves to avoid the wooden spoon in 2022.
Match Prediction
Richmond… but how by how much? That seems to be the narrative surrounding this game.
It’s fair enough too, considering that the Tigers beat West Coast by 109 points away from home just a couple of months ago.
I believe the reinforcements that the Eagles have received in recent weeks will make this a tighter affair, albeit one that Richmond should win without much trouble.
Richmond has won its last two encounters with West Coast at the MCG by a combined margin of just 17 points, and I think the Eagles have the cattle in the middle of the park to give their forwards some opportunities.
As such, I’ll take the visitors at a long line here.
West Coast +42.5
$2.00 (2 Units)
Prop Bets
Defenders traditionally fare well against the Tigers and their surge mentality, so Hurn should see plenty of the Sherrin today. He takes on the #1 rebounder role in the absence of Alex Witherden and has hit this mark in three of his last four matches.
Shannon Hurn 90+ Fantasy ($2.15 at Ladbrokes)
Shai Bolton has only had 20+ disposals in five matches this season, however his spikes generally come when Dion Prestia is missing, as he is this week. Bolton dominated last time out against the Eagles, kicking three goals from 30 possessions, so he should head into this encounter with plenty of confidence.
Shai Bolton 20+ Disposals ($2.20 at Ladbrokes)
