Can the Tigers win big over the Eagles? West Coast vs Richmond Round 18 previewRound 18 finishes with a whimper rather than a bang, can Richmond keep up its recent good form?
Alex Donnelly
Codebet
July 14, 2023 WHAT WE’RE LOOKING AT* West Coast have lost 13 of their last 14 by 40+
* Six of the last seven between the two have gone over the total points line.
* West Coast has failed to cover the line in six of its last seven matches at Optus Stadium.
THE MATCH-UPWith a finals spot still a possibility, the Richmond Tigers will come into Sunday’s matchup against West Coast all guns blazing knowing that a big win will have them firmly back in the hunt for September action.
The Tigers will begin Round 18 a win and percentage outside the top eight after coming from 26 points down to defeat the Swans at the MCG.
Shai Bolton was awesome last week 31 disposals, nine clearances and four goal assists. Richmond has now won four of its last five matches with Bolton being one of the keys to Richmond’s resurgence.
West Coast have not lost a club record 14 straight and 23 of its last 24 overall. The 116-35 loss at the Gabba was an ugly watch for all concerned. What is worrying is that even with an eight point defeat a fortnight ago, West Coast‘s average losing margin in it’s last seven matches is 87 points.
West Coast played Richmond earlier in the year – round 8 to be exact losing by 46 points and the 58 points scored by the Eagles was their second highest since round 7.
PLAYERS TO WATCHBig
Oscar Allen didn‘t get too many looks at the footy last week and it was through no fault of his own. Richmond’s defence has not been the best in 2023, conceding 82 points per game. Richmond’s defense was found out during periods of the game last week too and Oscar Allen is arguably a better mark in 2023 than Lance Franklin, he could help himself to a handful once again.
Dustin Martin has been winding back the clock in the last few weeks, his last three games have seen totals of 27, 35 and 29 disposals. He just needs to get his goal kicking boots in order as he has one goal and four behinds in those three games. Sunday feels a game that Martin can tear apart and get Tigers fans excited about.
THE PICKHave to be with Richmond, winning four of its past five and the way in which they chased down the Swans last week was the sign of a team on the up.
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