Richmond v Western Bulldogs PreviewJaiden Sciberras
SEN
8 May 2024Two teams desperate to find a win, headlining a double header on Saturday night.
With just one win between the two clubs in the last five weeks, desperate times are approaching for the two Melbourne sides.
The Bulldogs are looking up into the eight, already eight points behind the cut off following back-to-back losses against Fremantle and Hawthorn.
Looking over their list, the Dogs should not find themselves falling behind for too long. With Marcus Bontempelli displaying his talent week-in week-out, Tom Liberatore in career best form despite having no luck with concussion, and the likes of Bailey Dale, Tim English and Adam Treloar playing good footy, their ability should begin to get them over the line.
The Dogs lead the league in disposals and marks and sit fifth in the competition for goals per game, however their ability to defend as a unit has been poor. Over their weekend clash against Hawthorn, the Hawks were able to transition and find options in the forward half was too easy, and the Dogs’ inability to hold the lead late was disappointing.
Their clearance game, which has been their major game-winning factor in past years, has dropped to ninth in the competition.
If they want to be taken seriously in 2024, they will need to come out and make a statement over the lowly Tigers, and they can start in the centre of the park. Richmond sit dead last in clearances, averaging 27.8 per game, 5.5 behind Hawthorn in 17th.
As for the Tigers, it’s been far from a season to remember.
Winless since their Round 3 scalping over the Swans, 17th on the ladder with a hefty injury list heading into Round 9.
Richmond will be without the likes of Jacob Hopper (hamstring) for a few more weeks, while Tim Taranto (wrist), Jack Ross (foot) and Tom Lynch (hamstring) are looking to the latter stages of 2024 for their return.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom for the Tiges. Noah Balta, Dion Prestia and Jack Graham are all a test heading into this weekend, which could prove to be a game-changer.
There was not a whole lot you could take away from Richmond’s 54-point loss against Fremantle, aside from Mykelti Lefau looking entirely comfortable at AFL level. While relying on a first-year player is never ideal, Lefau will need to continue his strong form in the forward half in Lynch’s absence if the Tigers want any chance at a win in the coming weeks.
The Bulldogs won both clashes against the Tigers in 2023, and with the pressure mounting on the Dogs and Luke Beveridge, desperation could prove the difference on Saturday night.
Tip: Western Bulldogs by 38 points.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2024/05/08/who-will-win-and-why-the-tips-and-predictions-for-afl-round-9/
