AFL Preview Round 8: Kangaroos v Tigers

Nth Melbourne v Richmond
Sun 1:10pm at Etihad Stadium

The first game on Sunday afternoon sees the Tigers head across the CBD to take on the Kangaroos at Etihad. Richmond have now won 5 in a row (covering the spread in all of them) and will present a huge challenge to a Kangaroos side that has shocked many this season on their way to 4-3.

Form

North Melbourne (LWWLW) – The Kangas are absolutely flying- a win over Sydney, in Sydney, is as good as it gets. They were overwhelmed with the outside dash over the Power a fortnight ago, but they kept it in tight against the Swans, with Higgins starring in a 31 disposal display that has confirmed his standing as an elite midfielder of the competition at his peak. Ben Brown may have only scored one goal against the Swans (he spent significant periods in the ruck) but the cult hero has had 4 goals or more in 5 games this season- a remarkable affirmation of his consistency.

Richmond (WWWWW) – Premiership hangover? Please. The Tigers look a far better side than last season, with an even level of contributors that all have their role down to a tee. Cotchin is the best captain in the League at the moment, leading by example both with ball in hand and in defence while Jack Riewoldt’s 17 goals somehow goes under the radar- but the selfless way he now leads the Tigers forward line is just outstanding. 

Stats That Matter– Richmond have a percentage of 194% in fourth quarters this season
– Jack Riewoldt averages 2.7 goals a game against North
– The Tigers won their last meeting by 35 points
– Trent Cotchin averages 106 Fantasy points per game against the Kangaroos
– Richmond are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 matches
– The last 4 Kangaroos games have gone Unders
– Ben Brown is leading the Coleman Medal count with 24 goals- an average of 3.4 a game

Betting Data

2018 Line: North Melbourne- 3-4; Richmond- 3-4
2018 Over-Under: North Melbourne- 2-5; Richmond- 2-5

What To Expect

The Wolf admires the toughness of the Kangaroos, but taking on the well-oiled machine of the Tigers is a step up and they just do not have anywhere near the class across the lines that Richmond do. They’ll be thanking their lucky stars they aren’t playing at the ‘G, but the Tiges will still be too good and should kick away with it in the last term.

How It’s Shaping UpRichmond by 28

Recommended Bets

Best: Richmond Fourth Quarter Line -6.5 ($1.87) 
Value: Dustin Martin 120+ Fantasy Points ($3.85)
Player Prop: Bachar Houli 25+ Disposals ($2.25)
First Goalscorer: Jason Castagna