Tigers tipped to failCameron Noakes
December 18, 2009 IT SEEMS cruel, almost senseless, to crush the spirit of optimistic AFL fans before Christmas, but considering Richmond fans' bulging — and deluded — belief this time last year, it is appropriate that Betfair has handed out an early slice of earthly perspective for the downtrodden Tiger fans and posted their team as a $3.60 favourite for the wooden spoon in 2010.
Despite a new coach, it seems many are expecting the same old heartbreaking fate for the Tigers, who top the market ahead of the embattled Melbourne and North Melbourne, who are both at $5.20.
Sportsbet cannot split Richmond and Melbourne for the spoon and has them equal favourites at $4, with North Melbourne at $5 and Fremantle $6.50.
But it's not all doom and gloom for Richmond and, while most bookmakers do not have wooden-spoon markets up, the Tigers are generally considered a better premiership chance than Melbourne.
Betfair's Jake Norton said sports lovers were seemingly missing AFL action already and were whetting their appetites by punting more than $80,000 on AFL markets for 2010. Geelong and St Kilda are equal favourites to win the flag on the betting exchange at $4.50.
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