We take a look at Thursday nights (21/03/2019) AFL Week 1 match which is between Carlton Blues and Richmond Tigers. View the odds for both teams as well as our Tips and Bets for the Carlton Blues vs Richmond Tigers match.
When: Thursday March 21, 7:20pm
Where: MCG
Bet ?: Bet On This Match HERE
Preview:
To say it’s been a dramatic offseason would be an understatement. Richmond got busy signing Tom Lynch to a lucrative seven-year deal, while the Blues lucked out as co-captain Sam Docherty suffered a season-ending ACL tear.
Since it is Round 1, try not to let the wide price for Carlton sway you. The Blues were up for a fight this time last year booting five unanswered goals in the opening term to lead the premiers at halftime. Of course, Richmond’s prowess proved too much for the eventual wooden spooners, but there’s no reason Carlton can’t keep Thursday’s game close for the second-straight year.
For Richmond, it’s the start of something new after an embarrassing loss to Collingwood in last year’s Prelim. Lynch’s inclusion should speak for itself on the goal-sheet, but it’s also a huge year for Dustin Martin as he looks to bounce-back from what was a quiet season (at least by his usual standards).
As for Carlton, you hate to put too much stock into Round 1, but this game could set the tone for their season. The Blues should be up and about following a win over the Bombers and a close loss to Collingwood in the JLT Series. Whether or not they can handle Richmond’s relentless forward pressure will be the test.
It’s worth keeping in mind the Tigers have won seven-straight over the Blues, while they also finished 6-3 against the line last season. In their last five meetings however, Carlton have lost by a combined average of 26.8 points, leaving Thursday’s line looking a little generous.
Odds:
Tip: Richmond Tigers at $1.15
Value Tip: First Goal Scorer: Jack Riewoldt at $9.00
Teams:
BLUES
B: Garlett, Jones, Plowman
HB: Simpson, Weitering, Newman
C: Murphy, Cripps (C), Fisher
HF: Gibbons, C. Curnow, Walsh
F: E. Curnow, McGovern, McKay
FOLL: Phillips, Dow, Petrevski-Seton
I/C: Thomas, Cuningham, Fasolo, Setterfield
EMG: Polson, O’Brien, Casboult, Lobbe
TIGERS
B: Rance, Astbury, Grimes
HB: Vlastuin, Houli, Short
C: Edwards, Cotchin (C), McIntosh
HF: Rioli, Butler, Weller
F: Riewoldt, Martin, Lynch
FOLL: Nankervis, Prestia, Lambert
I/C: Balta, Higgins, Graham, Broad
EMG: Soldo, Ellis, Markov, Menadue
*Odds correct at time of posting. Subject to change
