The headline clash of the three game Sunday slate in Round 3 of the AFL sees the St Kilda Saints hosting the Richmond Tigers in the annual 'Maddie's Match' from Marvel Stadium.
Andy Rosos is back with a full preview and betting tips for the clash below and remember to check out our AFL Tips page for more coverage of the Round 3 action.
St Kilda vs Richmond Betting Tips
Marvel Stadium, Sunday 3rd April, 3.20pm (AEDT)
St Kilda
In: Dougal Howard, Paddy Ryder
Out: Cooper Sharman, Darragh Joyce, Ryan Byrnes
Couple of big ins for the Saints at the selection table as ruckman Paddy Ryder makes his season debut and key defender Dougal Howard returns from a week off. With the addition of Ryder alongside Rowan Marshall and rookie sensation Jack Hayes, the Saints will be playing three ruckmem on Sunday, which is far from the norm in the modern age of AFL football.
The Saints recorded a fantastic win against Fremantle away from home last week. After a disappointing loss in Round 1, young forward Max King put the team on his back in Round 2, booting four goals in a best on ground performance to move his team to 1-1.
The Saints were absolutely decimated by the Tigers at Marvel Stadium last season, so they'll be desperate to get some revenge in one of their marquee home and away season games of the year as the stadium is draped in purple for Maddie's Match.
Richmond
In: Dylan Grimes
Out: Ben Miller, Jake Aarts
The Tigers will get key defender Dylan Grimes back in the line-up and what a neccessary inclusion it is as the Saints will likely have at least one if not two resting ruckman up forward at any given time. Star midfielder Dustin Martin remains on the sidelines for the Tigers and after years of dominance in the AFL, it looks as though their depth is finally starting to be tested.
The Tigers went down to the Blues in Round 1 but bounced back with an impressive win over the Giants on the weekend. Jayden Short was back to his accumulating best with 33 touches while the tall timber of Noah Balta and Tom Lynch combined for seven goals.
This aging Tigers list isn't what it once was, but there's no doubt that they can still match it with the best in the league on their day. They still have plenty of star power to call upon, but the one area of concern is their tall defender stocks, which could be tested against the likes of King, Membrey, Hayes, Ryder and Marshall.
Match Prediction
I like the Saints to cover here. As I mentioned above, I think the Tigers have a real deficiency down back and will likely need to call on third gamer Joshua Gibcus to play on the likes of Max King or one of the resting ruckman.
The Saints seem to have got their midfield issues in check last week against the Dockers. There was certainly still some ugly skill errors, but their heart and desire to win the loose ball and tackle looked to be back in some capacity.
The Saints lost to the Tigers at Marvel last season but bounced back to record an impressive 40 point win at the MCG in Round 15, a game where they kept the Tigers to just 22 points.
Saints -2.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Prop Bets
The Saints have been looking to give the ball to Brad Hill as much as they can so far this season. He has averaged 28.0 disposals per game across the first two round, just 7.5 of them contested.
Brad Hill 25+ Disposals ($1.90 at Ladbrokes)
Which St Kilda ruckman will spend the majority of their time forward? A lot think it will be Paddy Ryder as he continues to build fitness, but Ryder is the best of the three at sitting a kick behind the play and he is also the best tap ruckman, so I think he stays in the ruck. Rowan Marshall was drafted as a forward and no doubt has the best forward craft of the three. Back him to kick a goal on Sunday.
Rowan Marshall 1+ Goal ($1.90 at Ladbrokes
