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 MELBOURNE
Wednesday 24 April @ MCG
When the TV Execs looked forward to the Anzac Day eve match this year, they would have salivated over the prospect of it being as high an expectation as the one on the great day itself.
Commemoration is what these two games need to be about but also try telling that to the bean counters who see dollar signs flashing.
But now Richmond and Melbourne have had some hurdles this year yet it seems only one has had the fortitude to fight back.
To use the timely Warrnambool jumping analogy, Richmond are clearing the Tozer Road Double while Melbourne went the wrong direction on lap one of the Grand Annual.
Richmond deserve a lot of credit. After the loss of Rance for the season, injuries to Cotchin and Riewoldt and the suspension to Martin, they could have thrown the toys out of the cot.
But utter defiance against Port and a very solid win against Sydney in a tightly contested game showed they won’t chuck in the season at all.
They’ve been getting the right stuff out of youngsters like Stack, Bolton, Balta and others and it has been driving those older others to follow while the big names have been out. That can only be a great thing.
As for Melbourne, what can you say. After entering the season with such high expectations following a stellar 2018, it has fallen apart before it really started.
If it wasn’t disappointing enough before last week, to be not only beaten but humiliated by St Kilda by seven goals at home didn’t sit well with many supporters.
Out-enthused really was the defining measure. The stats sheet saw them, numbers wise, on a par with the Saints on most counts.
Disposals effectively the same, clearances, tackles and contested possessions were all near equal. In fact Gawn helped to win the hit out 49-16 and yet still nothing.
The vaunted midfield troops of Oliver, Brayshaw, Viney, Jones and Gawn could not influence the game. Even when they tried to play up-tempo late they couldn’t find a way to eat into the St Kilda lead.
Something dramatic needs to happen on Wednesday night to turn the tide but 2019 has been full of bonkers results and form fluctuations.
It would not surprise to see Melbourne at the very least be competitive for some time. Richmond aren’t necessarily a hard tagging team so if the Demon mids can get hold of the ball, they could do some damage.
However they need to get the forward set up right and so far it has only worked for two and a half quarters against the Swans and that form is hardly strong. Tom McDonald needs to find it and fast.
Logic says you have to tip Richmond but a close game is not out of the question.
Do suspect Melbourne will come out hunting to begin the game after a stinging few days. Maybe back them to lead at quarter time. Sustaining that for four quarters is their issue.
Match Selection: Richmond by 12 points
Suggested Bet: Melbourne (1st Quarter Result) @ $2.30