The Hawks and Tigers will kick off the monster five game slate in the AFL from 1.45pm at the MCG. As always, we have you covered with a full preview and betting tips for the clash below.
Remember to check out our betting tips for all nine games in Round 9 this weekend by heading to our AFL Tips page.
Hawthorn vs Richmond Betting Tips
MCG, Saturday 14th May, 1.45pm (AEST)
Hawthorn
Injuries: Ben McEvoy, Tom Phillips (Out) Changkouth Jiath, Ned Reeves, Mitch Lewis (Test)
The Hawks are actually looking pretty good on the injury front at the moment. They are still without skipper Ben McEvoy, but could get both Mitch Lewis and Changkouth Jiath back from short term injuries this Saturday. Check out our full AFL injury list heading into Round 9.
Hawthorn looked the better team for the majority of their game against the Bombers on the weekend but a poor final quarter saw their opponents kcik eight goals to just one in the final quarter to hand them their fifth loss for the season. They now sit outside the eight, but a win on the weekend will see them jump right back into contention.
The Hawks have had the 4th most points scored against them this season. They play an incredibly attacking style of football but when it's not working, they have a tendancy to get exposed on the counter.
Richmond
Injuries: Dion Prestia, Nick Vlaustin (Test)
The Tigers probably have the best injury list in the league at the moment. In the lead up to last week's game against the Pies, they had no long-term injuries, and they sustained none on the weekend. Dustin Martin returned to the line-up and it looks as though the Tigers selectors only have good problems at the moment.
With Martin back in the line-up, the Tigers recorded a fantastic win over the Magpies on the weekend to move to 4-4 on the season and into the top eight. Tom Lynch was dominant in the win, kicking six goals and racking up 25 touches. He has now kicked 13 goals across his last two games and looks to finally be regaining the form that made him such a force through the Tigers back to back flags.
The Tigers have scored the 2nd most points per game in the AFL this season at 97.75. Like their opponents, they play an attacking style of football, which should result in a high scoring game at the G on Saturday.
Match Prediction
Love the look of the over in this game. There might be a bit of rain around Melbourne on Friday and Saturday but I don't expect it to have much of an effect on the scoring potential of a game between two teams as attacking as these.
175.5 seems a little low considering these two teams have already either scored or allowed 100 points in 10 of their 16 games combined games this season.
Over 175.5 Points
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Prop Bets
Tom Lynch has been on a goal kicking spree of late. Through his last two games, he has booted 13 goals and kicked the first goal of the game last week against the Pies. Back him to be in the action early again on Saturday.
Tom Lynch 1st Goalscorer ($7.00 at Ladbrokes)
Jai Newcombe has been the breakout player for the Hawks so far this season. He has racked up at least 20 disposals in his last five straight games, averaging 25.2 over that stretch.
Jai Newcombe 25+ Disposals (1.97 at Ladbrokes)
