AFL Preview Round 9: Eagles v Tigers

West Coast v Richmond
Sun 4:40pm at Optus Stadium

Round 9 concludes on Sunday afternoon with the 2nd placed Eagles hosting the 1st placed Tigers- and all signs point to an absolute CRACKER! These two sides are both averaging 99+ points a game in 2018, and have each only suffered just the one loss for the year. West Coast are fresh off one of their most impressive wins in recent memory, getting the chocolates over in the east against the Giants despite a number of key personnel missing- and they will be playing in front of what will be an especially raucous home crowd who love making the big Victorian clubs feel ‘welcome’ in Perth. That’s not likely to affect Richmond too much though, who clearly know how to step it up a gear in big games (2017 Finals, anyone?), and their good record in Perth should hold them in good stead for what is the game of the round. Maybe even the year.

Form

West Coast (WWWWW) – The Eagles are still flying high! Their win over the Giants in Sydney last round without 3 of their top 5 players was easily their most impressive of the year- and even more remarkable considering Kennedy was held to just 7 touches and 2 goals. Like Richmond, they have an even number of solid contributors who have bought into their role, rather than a long list of superstars- and who could argue it’s not working?!

Richmond (WWWWW) – Richmond weren’t the best side during the regular rounds last year, but they certainly are so far in 2018. Once again, they have been fortunate with injuries, but the way Hardwick has his boys all singing the same tune is remarkable. Trent Cotchin was magnificent, once again, in the way he led from the front last round- with the skipper finishing with 37 touches (22 contested), 7 clearances and a goal against the Roos.

Stats That Matter– Richmond have won 5 of their last 6 games in Perth
– Dustin Martin had 40 touches, 2 goals and 156 Fantasy points in his last game against West Coast 
– The Eagles have a percentage of 246% in 2nd quarters, while the Tigers love the final term- they have scored 129 more points than their opponents
– Andrew Gaff is averaging 31 disposals a game in his last 4 against Richmond
– The last 4 Eagles games have all gone Unders
– West Coast are searching for their 8th consecutive win, which hasn’t happened since 2005

Betting Data

2018 Line: West Coast- 5-3; Richmond- 5-3

2018 Over-Under: West Coast- 3-5; Richmond- 2-5

What To Expect

The Wolf cannot WAIT for this match, between two high-flying sides that play a brand of footy that is quite easy on the eye. The Tigers have been installed as favourites, but it is as close to a 50-50 match as you can get. Wolfie turned his eyes straight for the Wire2Wire market when the game opened, and is very keen on a see-sawing encounter between the two clubs that may very well turn into a shoot-out. The Weagles are flying, but can’t really go past the Tigers to clip their wings- home ground advantage isn’t everything. Is it? Maybe it is, so let’s stick with each side taking turns with the lead! Oh, and Dustin Martin is going to respond in a BIG way- even Hardwick felt the need to comment the fact!

How It’s Shaping UpRichmond by 3

Pump It Up Price Special: Kennedy/Riewoldt/Darling 10+ Goals ($9.00)

Recommended Bets

Best Bet: Wire to Wire- Any Other Result ($1.98)
Value Bet: Both Teams To Score 90 Points ($5.50)
Player Prop: Dustin Martin 120+ Fantasy Points ($3.75)
First Goalscorer: Scott Lycett