3 minute read

Racing and Sports will provide analysis of many games in the 2020 AFL Season for as long as it goes on.

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 CARLTON

Thursday 19 March @ MCG

So what would life be like without sport? We think we are basically about to find out over the next few months.

But while we can't go at least seeing some games is a relief of some kind. The importance of sport is trivial by comparison to this critical health situation but it becomes that tangible break from the grind of work and the palpable drama of the news.

Therefore we head to the MCG where in front of nobody, the defending champs take on the expected improving Blues.

Richmond last played in from of 100,000 people and now you can take off the leading 1. Imagine being Marlion Pickett under those circumstances. But when they did play it was a match of sheer pressure and power over GWS.

They were a rabbit in the head lights and the Tigers shone very brightly.

You would think Richmond can just follow that on given they should be no worse and now even suited more without Alex Rance for the whole season as they have planned and practised that way.

Plus Tom Lynch has had a better lead in and co-ordinated the teamwork over a longer period.

Carlton have had the exact opposite off season. They sought Tom Papley in a trade situation with the Swans but that fell through on the back of the Daniher deal not progressing.

Then injuries to stars like Charlie Curnow means they can't have targets up forward which would take them from the doldrums. Where do the goals come from?

They do get back Sam Docherty after his awful injuries and he'll seem like a new recruit and Eddie Betts returns to be bound by blue (but not immediately).

While ever you have a player the ilk of Patrick Cripps to be Batman and his Robin Sam Walsh, those green shoots could quickly become small trees.

Again, it's hard not to re-iterate the huge question for Carlton is where will the scoring come from against the elite teams? At some stage they will be required and while the new coach got some cohesion to end last year, he's now got his hands on the wheels and there are no excuses.

Far too many question marks exist over the Blues, primarily where Richmond are very strong. In fact, where are they not strong?

In the end the $1.32 could be value (although you would have to be sadistic to back anything that short). Carlton will be better but there seems more value in taking Richmond in a closer win.

Match Selection: Richmond by 29 points

Suggested Bets: Richmond 1-39 @ $1.91