Friday nights blockbuster AFL Preliminary Finals match is between the Richmond Tigers and Collingwood Magpies. The opening bounce is set to commence at 19:50 AEST time with the game to be played at the MCG. The home team Richmond Tigers are the favourites for the match.
When: 19:50 | Friday 21/09/2018
Where: MCG
Preview:
Richmond have had the luxury of the week off and it’s always a nice position to be having the week off.
They would have kept it pretty simple and relaxed and some may have gone and watched Collingwood play live.
They’ll be well prepared.
Prelim finals are the best games to be a part of, as unlike the Grand Final, the stadium is a 50-50 split of supporters.
Players from these two clubs are used to playing in front of massive crowds.
Dustin Martin is under an injury cloud and he’s their best player, so it goes without saying, he’ll play.
For the Magpies to cause an upset, they need to look at the few sides which have troubled the Tigers.
The sides that have had success against Richmond have been able to control the ball with a kick-mark style of game plan.
That is easier said than done as Richmond apply the most pressure to their opposition more than any other team in the comp.
KEY BATTLE: Dylan Grimes v Jordan De Goey
De Goey was the match winner for Collingwood against the Giants with three goals.
Grimes has the speed to go with him and will also rely on help from his teammates.
The other Collingwood forwards will need to step up this week.
The Verdict
This is the first time Richmond and Collingwood have met in a final since they met in the 1980 decider and I think Richmond will win comfortably and make it 23 straight at the MCG.
Dustin Martin has recorded 30 disposals in three of Richmond’s last five Friday night matches as a favourite.
Jordan De Goey has kicked three or more goals in five of his last six appearances in Melbourne.
Unibet Odds:
Richmond at $1.40
Collingwood at $3.00
Odds:
Tip:Richmond Tigers at $1.38
Value Bet: First Goal Scorer: Josh Caddy at $15.00
Teams:
TIGERS
B: Rance, Astbury, Grimes
HB: Short, Vlastuin, Houli
C: Grigg, Conca, McIntosh
HF: Rioli, Edwards, Castagna
F: Riewoldt, Caddy, Martin
FOLL: Nankervis, Cotchin, Prestia
I/C: Lambert, Broad, Higgins, Graham
EMG: Garthwaite, Soldo, B. Ellis, Lloyd
NO Change
MAGPIES
B: Maynard, Langdon, Crisp
HB: Howe, Goldsack, Varcoe
C: Treloar, Pendlebury, Phillips
HF: Hoskin-Elliott, Mihocek, De Goey
F: Thomas, Cox, Stephenson
FOLL: Grundy, Adams, Sidebottom
I/C: Sier, Aish, Mayne, Greenwood
EMG: Blair, Brown, Magden, Reid
NO Change
*Odds correct at time of posting. Subject to change
