Friday’s AFL 2018 Round 20 match is between Richmond Tigers and Geelong Cats. The opening kick is set to commence at 19:50 local time with the game to be played at MCG. The home team Richmond Tigers are the favourites for the match.
View our preview and teams for the game between Richmond Tigers and Geelong Cats.
When: 19:50 | Friday 03/08/2018
Where: MCG
Preview:
I think the Adelaide ‘showdown’ is the match of the round but this one between the Tigers and Cats should a ripper considering it’s on Friday night.
Jack Higgins’ goal last week was special and I’d say it’s the best goal I’ve seen this year.
Richmond have won 18 straight at the MCG and the dimensions certainly suit the way they set up defensively and they get major support from their huge crowd.
Geelong have a dynamic midfield led by Patrick Dangerfield, Gary Ablett and Joel Selwood.
If all three fire, that will give them the best chance.
It’s hard to predict what type of game we’ll see but hopefully it will be high-scoring.
KEY BATTLE: Alex Rance v Tom Hawkins
Hawkins has 18 goals from his last three games and it would be good to see Rance get the job.
The Verdict
Hard to go past Richmond at the MCG.
Jason Castagna has been the first goal-scorer in two of Richmond’s last three home matches against Victorian teams.
Unibet Odds:
Richmond at $1.40
Geelong at $3.00
Odds:
Tip: Richmond Tigers at $1.32
Value Bet: First Goal Scorer: Josh Caddy at $12.00
More Info:
Teams:
Richmond Tigers: 
B: Astbury, Rance, Grimes
HB: Short, Vlastuin, Menadue
C: McIntosh, Cotchin, Edwards
HF: Rioli, Lambert, Castagna
F: Townsend, Riewoldt, Caddy
FOLL: Nankervis, Higgins, Martin
I/C: Grigg, B.Ellis, Baker, Lloyd
EMG: C.Ellis, Garthwaite, Naish, Miles
IN: Menadue, Lloyd
OUT: Broad, Prestia
Geelong Cats: 
B: Tuohy, Blicavs, Kolodjashnij
HB: Guthrie, Henderson, Bews
C: Menegola, J.Selwood, S.Selwood
HF: Fogarty, Duncan, Kelly
F: Parfitt, Hawkins, Menzel
FOLL: Stanley, Dangerfield, Ablett
I/C: Abbott, Cunico, Henry, Jones
EMG: Murdoch, Parsons, Smith, Thurlow
IN: Abbott, Jones
OUT: Narkle, Stewart
AFL News:
Richmond forward Jack Riewoldt has extended his decorated AFL career at Punt Road with a new two-year deal.
The premiership star was already contracted for 2019 and the deal will secure his services until the end of the 2021 season.
The 29-year-old tall forward remains the linchpin of coach Damien Hardwick’s attack, kicking 44 goals in 18 games this season for the ladder-leading Tigers.
“Jack is a wonderful leader, selfless team player and great club man … it’s fantastic that he’ll continue his journey here at Richmond,” football chief Neil Balme said.
“Jack’s a talented player and continues to evolve his game and also spends time supporting his teammates in their own development … we love that team-first nature about him.”
The financial details remain confidential, but Riewoldt has spoken of his willingness to take less than market value to be a part of a successful team that has the ability to attract free agents like Gold Coast’s Tom Lynch.
Riewoldt’s extension comes on the heels of new deals for star defender Alex Rance and young fan favourite Jack Higgins.
The 243-game veteran has kicked 581 goals since making his debut in round nine of the 2007 season.
