Richmond and the Western Bulldogs are two high class sides with plenty of pride that have had disappointing starts to the 2022 AFL season. Both sit 1-2 and out of the top eight, so will therefore be out to kickstart some momentum on Saturday night at the MCG.
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 Western Bulldogs Betting Tips
MCG, Saturday 9th April, 7.25pm (AEDT)
Richmond
Injuries: Dylan Grimes, Kane Lambert, Dustin Martin (personal), Nick Vlastuin
The injury list for Richmond may not be long but it is significant. Grimes goes out again this week, however key names Dion Prestia and Jack Riewoldt return.
It’s hard to be too harsh on Richmond, who have been crippled by injury so far this season. They are still playing the iconic Richmond brand, however the personnel have not been there. Tiger fans need not despair though, as the early rounds of 2022 have been a great chance to get a look at the stars of tomorrow. Thomson Dow, Joshua Gibcus and Jack Ross are just a few examples to show that the future is bright at Punt Road.
Western Bulldogs
Injuries: Josh Bruce, Zaine Cordy, Sam Darcy, Jason Johannisen, Robbie McComb, Toby McLean, Alex Keath
The Bulldogs’ key defensive stocks will be tested this week with the absence of Alex Keath and Zaine Cordy. Softening that blow is the announcement of Tim O’Brien’s club debut.
After losing to 2022 fancies Melbourne and Carlton, the Western Bulldogs proved their worth with a hard-fought victory over Sydney. All the ingredients of last year’s grand final team are still there, an elite midfield complemented by tenacity across the park. Aaron Naughton also looks to be close to his best, promising a bag of goals sometime soon.
Match Prediction
I was all over the Bulldogs until the team announcements, which leave a tough call to make. Richmond will be completely outgunned in the middle however the Dogs may struggle to contain the Tigers’ twin towers of Tom Lynch and Jack Riewoldt. If Richmond’s backline without Grimes can hold up, they are a strong chance, however I will stick with my original prediction here.
Western Bulldogs -11.5
$1.90 (1 Unit)
Prop Bets
Adam Treloar is a renowned accumulator of the football, and he has already gone over 30 disposals once this season. Richmond gives away plenty of disposals to midfielders, so I’m backing Treloar for a big night.
Adam Treloar 30+ Disposals ($2.75 at TAB)
Rioli has gone over 20 twice in his three games in a new half back role. The ball should spend plenty of time in Richmond’s back half so he appears a good play to achieve that again.
Daniel Rioli 20+ Disposals ($1.90 at TAB)
Naughton has kicked 8 goals in his last two matches against the Tigers and appears in imposing touch so far this season.
Aaron Naughton 3+ Goals ($2.10 at TAB)
