One of the two Saturday night fixtures in AFL Round 9 will see Richmond and the Western Bulldogs come together at the MCG. Neither side has been performing at their best so far in 2024, but both will fancy their chances of coming away with the four points. Check out our full betting preview below!
Also, Before You Bet will be providing free previews and betting tips for EVERY game in the 2024 AFL season, so make sure to head over to out our AFL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our free content.
2024 AFL Round 9 Preview & Betting Tips
Richmond vs Western Bulldogs
Saturday 7:30pm AEST, May 11th, MCG
It’s been a tough start to the season on all fronts for Richmond. They’ve struggled to find consistency from both week to week and quarter to quarter, and have also been dealt some harsh injury blows.
Most recently, the Tigers were simply outclassed at home by the Dockers from start to finish. The Dockers got off to a fast start to lead by a couple of goals at the first break and went onto win each of the next three quarters to take down the Tigers by 54 points (49-103).
In positive news, Dion Prestia and Jack Graham have both passed their fitness tests and will return to bolster the Tigers engine room. Unfortunately utility Liam Baker will miss with injury, while veteran Dylan Grimes is being managed.
Meanwhile, the Western Bulldogs are under heavy pressure to perform this week after suffering an unacceptable loss against the rebuilding Hawks last weekend (91-98). It was a see-sawing affair with multiple lead changes throughout, but when the game was on the line in the final term the Hawks were clearly the hungrier team and deserved to win.
Coach Luke Beveridge’s job was already in strife prior to their recent defeat and he’s now clearly the most under fire coach in the competition. Despite having one of the most talented teams, at least on paper, the Bulldogs have managed to win only three games to date.
In another massive blow for the Dogs, champion midfielder Tom Liberatore will miss indefinitely after suffering his fourth concussion in less than 12 months. His playing future remains unclear, and his absence is sure to leave a huge hole in their midfield. Strangely, highly touted young gun Ryley Sanders was still overlooked at the selection table this week and the decision to not play him at the top level continues to frustrate fans.
Match Prediction: The Dogs are clearly the talented team in this matchup and there’s no surprise to see them priced as the heavy favourites. However, the tigers get some cavalry back for this clash and will be fully aware of their opponents vulnerabilities. So with that in mind, I’m keen to back the Tigers to cover the spread.
Richmond +20.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi
The easiest way to place your Same Game Multi is to click on the BoomBet BetShare button below! This will add our SGM selections straight into your BoomBet bet slip! You can then enter how much you wish to wager and with one click, your bet has been placed!
Dustin Martin 2+ Goals – The Tigers get a couple of midfielders back for this one which means Dusty can spend all of his time forward. He could cash in with a few goals against the underwhelming Dogs defence.
Jayden Short 20+ Disposals – Returned from a calf with a fantastic performance against the Dockers. He should make it to 20 disposals without any issues.
Rhylee West 1+ Goal – Missed last week but was in terrific form prior. He has a knack of hitting the scoreboard and should jag at least one against this undermanned Tigers defence.
SGM Odds: $4.50 at BoomBet
