3 minute read

Racing and Sports will provide analysis of many games in the 2020 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 BRISBANE

Tuesday 4 August @ Metricon Stadium

Potentially a Grand Final scene setter is a replay of the Qualifying Final last year and two teams in excellent winning form.

Their credentials from last year were profound and it has continued on to some extent. In fact in some ways it is even more impressive.

Richmond could have been lulled by past performance and achievement, Brisbane by the second year syndrome.

Yet while Richmond is just off their best but open great improvement especially by the key forwards, the Lions are around the same level and solidifying themselves.

Richmond has had the benefit of a nicer break than most. They last played on Wednesday when they thrashed the Bulldogs. The start had the big names in the goals and as an opposition, if Riewoldt, Lynch and Martin are in play early you may have opened Pandora's Box.

Martin isn't always a litmus test as he can conjure a brilliance in a Quarter which wins the Tigers the game. But when he puts four of them together, you nearly have no chance.

Making a strong run this early in what hopefully ends the season in October, could be construed as the poorest of timing. Many would say be bad mid-year and peak Bart Cummings style on Cup (GF) day.

But when you have the credibility and substance of Richmond over a longer period, they may just be able to keep improving knowing what they have done and how they can draw on that.

Brisbane then has to bring their best to win. They aren't at their beloved Gabba even though Richmond likes to play there too.

What you have to like about Brisbane is that they also never gave Essendon a chance.

Some teams might have waivered a bit but led by the redoubtable Lachie Neale (surely the Brownlow is his to lose), they were happy to ride on his coattails.

From here, against the big boys, will that be enough? Their forward line has the structure to win but does it have the excellence of execution to win?

If you have Charlie Cameron doing motor bike revs on a regular basis that will be a good sign. Will Richmond send Grimes to him as he can play tall and short?

With no rucks for Brisbane, while Richmond isn't flushed with names either, that is almost an even bigger win for the Tiges. They will rove to anyone.

You'd have to a confident person to be taking on Richmond once they hit form. Best only to challenge them on the punt when they are most dubious.

Richmond as the outsiders seems an easy decision when having a bet.

Match Selection: Richmond by 15 points

Suggested Bets: Richmond @ $2.00