While this game won’t change the trajectory of this season, it could have major impacts on the future as Richmond take on West Coast. Can the Tigers get off the bottom of the ladder? Or will the Eagles end their seven game losing streak?
We bring you our full preview and expert tips for the Tigers vs Eagles below, with odds thanks to Dabble!
Richmond vs West Coast Prediction & Betting Tips: AFL 2026 Round 21
Rock Bottom Tigers
After a positive season last year where they exceeded expectations, 2026 couldn’t have gone any worse for the Tigers. A record of 2-17, an eight game losing streak and an average losing margin of 47 points and ten losses above 40 points, and there are concerns around the lack of development from some of their young players. This game presents an interesting opportunity, given it is the last game Richmond have a realistic chance of winning. However, given the new draft rules, it would be in Richmond’s best interests to lose, given they would control the opportunity to get an extra pick at the end of the first round with a bid on an academy tied prospect, as well as getting the first pick in the open draft.
Another Derby Defeat
The Eagles hung around in the first half, however they were blown off the park in the second half by Fremantle in a 70 point defeat - their 10 defeat from their last 11 games against the Dockers. West Coast were smashed at the coalface, losing the contest possession count by 22, an area that has been a major weakness in 2026, ranking 13th in the AFL. Given they sit two games behind Port Adelaide with four games remaining, the Eagles look locked in to finishing in 16th place, however it has been an improvement on a one win season in 2025. West Coast’s final three games are against Collingwood, GWS and Hawthorn, so this game against Richmond looms as potentially their last chance to win a game in 2026.
Recent Head to Head History
Despite these teams being two of the worst sides in the AFL over the last three years, the Tigers have had the Eagles number, winning four of their last five games against West Coast. The MCG hasn’t been a place where the Eagles have experienced success against the Tigers, with their last win against Richmond the MCG coming back in 2015.
Tigers or Eagles? Here’s Our Richmond vs West Coast Tip
It’s incredibly difficult to build an argument for either team to win around any statistical area. Richmond ranks 18th for points for, 18th for points against, 18th for disposals, 17th for marks, 17th for tackles, 17th for inside 50’s and 16th for clearances. West Coast are 16th for points for, 16th for points against, 17th for disposals, 16th for marks, 16th for inside 50’s and 14th for clearances.
Given West Coast are essentially locked into the finishing 16th, they have nothing to lose from this game unlike Richmond, and will relish the rare opportunity to play on the MCG. Although the Eagles have nothing to lose and probably on the eye test look a better side than the Tigers, Richmond have had their number over recent seasons as highlighted above.
Given these conflicting factors, it’s difficult to have faith in the head to head market, so the total points market is where we will go. These are two of the lowest scoring teams in the competition, with Richmond averaging 64 points per game and West Coast averaging 70 points per game. The Tigers have scored 48, 52, 65, 72, 72 and 48 points across their last six games while the Eagles have scored 42, 69, 70, 74, 64 and 73 points in the same time span.
Under 166.5 Total Points
$1.90 (1 Unit)
Richmond vs West Coast Prop Bet
Mid season draft pick Marcus Herbert has been a revelation for the Eagles, becoming one of their best players since joining the club. Herbert had a career high 36 disposals last week, following up games of 22 and 20 disposals in the games prior. Herbert has taken 8 kick ins across the last two games, and is being trusted with more opportunities each week. Herbert has increased his disposal count every week he has played, so there shouldn’t be any complacency after a strong performance.
Marcus Herbert 25+ Disposals
$2.15
Richmond vs West Coast Same Game Multi
Marcus Herbert 25+ Disposals: As mentioned above, Herbert has been in excellent form for the Eagles.
Tim Taranto 25+ Disposals: Despite the Tigers struggles, Tim Taranto has been incredibly consistent across his last five games. Taranto has produced performances of 25, 27, 26, 25 and 26 disposals across his last five games.
Jake Waterman 2+ Goals: There’s been plenty of criticism about his accuracy in front of goal this season, however Jake Waterman has still managed to kick 41 goals from 19 games in a side that has only won 4 games. Waterman has kicked 2+ goals in 8 of his last 12 games, which includes a 3 goal performance against Richmond.
Richmond vs West Coast Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Sunday 2nd August
Time: 1:10pm AEST
Location: MCG, Melbourne
Odds: Richmond $1.98 vs West Coast $1.85
Line: West Coast -1.5
Points: 167.5
Where to Watch Richmond vs West Coast
You can watch the Tigers vs Eagles live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
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