3 minute read

Racing and Sports will provide analysis of many games in the 2019 AFL Season.

We'll endeavour to run through the form, incorporate appropriate stats and also supply a betting prediction which won't always just be who will win.

RICHMOND v GWS

Sunday 14 July @ MCG

We certainly won't be seeing the same crowd as the 2017 Prelim Final, but the one sidedness of it will be similar as the Tigers look to continue their march back up the table.

Richmond and GWS have played some games to remember even just within their seven year existence.

There was that game Richmond led in Sydney and looked home after Shai Bolton thought he'd kicked a goal but the goal was reviewed and overturned. Then GWS bombed it up the centre, goal to goal as Cameron kicked one from 50m.

Tigers fans couldn't care less as they'd only recall the Prelim which sent them to their latest Grand Final success in 2017.

And for those supporters, there is a whiff of 2017 about this season. Not so much the injury lists but the fact they've been spluttering around mid-table before making a sustained charge.

Again those injuries are the main reason for that but with all the top teams (bar West Coast) seeming to be having the 'July hiatus', Richmond are making ground and fast.

They could easily make Top 4 now and remember with the way the finals are set up, they'd again force Geelong into a Home Qualifying Final at their home the MCG not GMHBA.

Even from 5th they'd host week one and possibly not leave the MCG if Victorian teams like Geelong or Collingwood stood in their path.

It was a training drill on the Gold Coast. Near 100 point margins certainly help the percentage. Nine goals to two at quarter time just took all the pressure off.

With the troops arriving back (Riewoldt soon but likely no Rance), their tilt will come down to how much the younger players stay up. That can be tough after a long season – especially the first yearers.

It would also be encouraging for Martin and Cotchin not to be having to have them ride on their coat tails. Leave that up to the finals.

As for GWS they return to the MCG which is not a happy hunting ground for them against anyone. Whether it is ground size or shape who knows?

They also arrive off a really bad performance – beaten comprehensively by an up and coming firebrand in Brisbane.

Jumped in the first stanza, they had to play catch up and never recovered. Also impacted by Josh Kelly coming off and a forward line not in full throttle, the wheels were spinning.

It was once said Leon Cameron had the keys to the Ferrari. Well at the moment it's missing a few gears but they have time to get the mechanics in.

This is a real statement match. The Tigers win and they could be level in third but only devoid on percentage. Giants win and they wipe the MCG monkey off their back.

Hard to see the latter happening with Kelly not there. Even if last week was precautionary, he is such a beautiful player to watch. Advantage yellow and black.

With the flare in the nostrils and a line to attack, Richmond pounce like few others.

Match Selection: Richmond by 24 points

Suggested Bets: Richmond -15.5 @ $1.90