We've got an interesting match on our hands on Saturday evening between two clubs on decent winning streaks. Adelaide have come from nowhere to win three on the spin, while Richmond are starting to gear up towards another promising finals campaign. As always, we have you covered with a full preview and betting tips for the fourth match in Round 18.
Check out our best bets for the Saturday clash below and remember to check out our AFL Round 18 Betting Tips page for our dedicated preview for every game across the weekend.
AFL Adelaide vs Richmond Betting Tips
Adelaide Oval, Saturday 5:10pm (AEST)
The Crows are playing inspired footy at the moment and will be looking to finish off a disappointing season with their fourth win on the trot. Meanwhile, Richmond must win to stay in the top four and secure a double chance in the finals.
Adelaide
In just three weeks, Adelaide have gone from a team that looked highly unlikely of winning a game this season, to a team on a three game winning streak and with a seemingly bright future. Last time out they were too good for the Blues, getting the jump on them early and running out rather comfortable 16 point winners.
The teams are yet to be announced at the time of writing, but it's hard to imagine there being too many changes to a side coming off three consecutive wins. The Bryce Gibbs retirement leaves one position up for grabs, perhaps for the impressive youngster in Will Hamill if he recovers from his concussion.
Adelaide goal scorers haven't typically been a market many would want to have a crack at for the majority of this year, but they've come into the equation in recent weeks. One Crow that's particularly exciting to have a swing on is mature age rookie, Shane McAdam. The 25-year-old has burst onto the scene with high-flying marks and a great goal sense. He's jagged at least one goal in six of his past seven games, and you can still get odds of $1.72 for him to hit the scoreboard this weekend.
McAdam Anytime Goal
$1.72
Richmond
Richmond played their part in one of the most highly anticipated regular season matches of the year vs Geelong last weekend. The Tigers were switched on from the opening bounce and completely blanketed the Cats en route to a classy 26 point win. Dylan Grimes was superb in his first game back from injury, teaming up with Noah Balta to shut Hawkins out of the game.
The Tigers have had to chop and change their lineup just about more than any other team this season due to injury, and this week is no different. Tom Lynch will miss with a hammy, Ivan Soldo ruptured his ACL, and there a couple of others needing to prove their fitness. On a positive note, the Tigers are set to welcome back premiership stars Shane Edwards and David Astbury this weekend.
Tom Lynch's injury means there will be a lot more forward 50 entries targeted at 3x Coleman Medallist, Jack Riewoldt. Jumping Jack is in some great form after a four goal haul against the Cats last time out, which is the third 3+ goal performance from him over the past seven rounds. Now as their vocal point up forward, coupled with the fact they're up against the leakiest defence in the competition, there's no better opportunity for Riewoldt to kick a bag.
Prediction
The Crows were 33 point winners in their only clash against the Tigers last year, which was also at the Adelaide Oval. As we all know, a lot has changed for the Crows since then, so we won't be reading too much into that result.
There's no doubting Adelaide have improved as the season has gone on, highlighted by their current win streak; however, their three wins haven't come against a team anywhere near Richmond's calibre. With a top four spot on the line for the reigning premiers, we expect them to come out firing and put this game to bed very early on, en route to a big win.
