Tough week again for PuntingInDanger and fans as we hit on just two out of six of our bets for the round of AFL action. The bye rounds are finished now and the AFL will return to its regular nine game schedule this weekend, kicking off with a massive top of the table clash between the Tigers and Swans at Etihad on Thursday night. We preview the big round opener and give our betting tips below.
Round 15 Richmond vs Sydney Betting Tips
The Tigers currently sit first on the AFL ladder with a 10-3 record through thirteen games while the Swans trail only by percentage in second place. Both teams will be coming their bye this weekend, so should be feeling fresh as they head into the massive Thursday night clash.
The two teams will both be as close to full strength as you can get in this day and age of AFL football, with the Swans set to be missing only Callum Mills and Sam Reid from their best 22 while the Tigers will be missing Bachar Houli and David Astbury but should get Dion Prestia back from a calf injury.
The Tigers were impressive in their win over the Cats in Round 13 at the MCG, but although this is a home game for them, they’ll be away from the comfort of the G this weekend. It’s a big factor for the Tigers, who have won their last 15 games at the MCG and have been protected so far this year, playing 9 of their 13 games there.
They were less than impressive the last time they played at Etihad, just edging past the Kangaroos back in Round 8. As for the Swans, Etihad seems like a second home to them. They have the second best win percentage of any team under the roof and are coming off a monster 71-point thrashing of St Kilda just a few weeks ago.
History:
2017 Round 13 - Richmond (10.11.71) lt Sydney (12.8.80)
2016 Round 23 - Sydney (25.14.164) dft Richmond (7.9.51)
2016 Round 8 - Richmond (14.17.101 dft Sydney (15.10.100)
2015 Round 13 - Sydney (11.11.77) lt Richmond (14.11.95)
Games Played: 194
Sydney: 87
Richmond: 106
Draw: 1
The Swans have won their last two games in a row against the Tigers, the most recent of which was a 9-point win at the MCG in Round 13 last season. While Richmond, West Coast and Sydney all sit on 40 points at the top of the table, the Swans are in arguably the best form of the trio, winning their last six games in a row. I’m picking them to get the job done on Thursday night in what should be a close game.
No MCG, No Tigers?
Sydney Swans to win
$2.30