Richmond will take on the Hawks in a big Sunday afternoon game from the MCG in Round 22. The Tigers are desperate for a win to stay inside the eight and we have you covered with a full preview and betting tips for the clash below.
Remember to check out our AFL Tips page to see betting tips for all nine games across the AFL Round 22 weekend.
Richmond vs Hawthorn Betting Tips
Richmond
Injuries: Thomas Dow, Dylan Grimes, Dustin Martin (Out) Shane Edwards, Nick Vlaustin (Test)
Vlaustin will be in a race against the clock to prove his fitness before Sunday’s clash while Shane Edwards should be available for selection after a week rest. Dustin Martin and Dylan Grimes remain on the sidelines.
The Tigers have been brilliant over the past two weeks to put themselves back in the box seat to secure a position in the top eight. Their destiny is in their own hands now and with games against the Hawks and Bombers to come, the odds are in their favour.
They defeated the Power by 38 points in Round 21, lead by another best on ground performance by Shai Bolton, who kicked 4.5 and did something special nearly every time he touched the ball. With Bolton at full flight, the Tigers have another genuine match winner that could turn a finals game on its head in the absence of Dustin Martin.
Hawthorn
Injuries: Lachlan Bramble, Tyler Brockman, Connnor Downie, Sam Frost, Seamus Mitchell, Ned Reeves, Chad Wingard, James Worpel (Out) Josh Morris, Mitch Lewis (Test)
The Hawks have had a really strong back half of the season which should give a lot of confidence to their fans heading into 2023. They have won four of their last five games and have a couple of real tests to finish the season in the Tigers and Bulldogs.
If they can pinch another win or two in the last couple of games, the Hawks could finish in the top 12, which would be a great result given their pre-season predictions. They have had great seasons from stars James Sicily, Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O’Meara but the most exciting thing has been the development of their youngsters in Jai Newcombe, Changkouth Jiath, Mitch Lewis and Josh Ward.
Match Prediction
I think the Tigers have been playing much better than their record suggests over the past five months. They squandered opportunities against the Suns and Roos in back to back weeks but still played okay in those games. They captured a draw in a game against the Dockers when they were the better team and since then they have been fantastic with two wins over the Lions and Power.
I think they will be far too strong for the Hawks here, especially with rain forecast on Sunday in Melbourne. The Hawks have built an identity this season of playing fast through the middle of the ground, a style that will be hindered by wet weather. If anything, the Tigers thrive in the wet with their dump and chase, chaos ball mentality.
Tigers should win this and cover in the process.
Tigers -19.5
$2.00 (1.5 Units)
Prop Bets
Dion Prestia has cleared the 100 fantasy point mark in two of his last three games. In his last five overall he is averaging 96.0 points and I think he should only get more touches and tackles in the wet weather. Like the odds for him to pass 100 again on Sunday.
Dion Prestia 100+ Fantasy Points ($2.50 at Ladbrokes)
The Hawks have scored just 19 goals in the last two weeks and I think potential wet weather on Sunday might make it hard for them to hit the scoreboard again. Back their under on total goals.
Hawks Under 10.5 Goals ($1.80 at Ladbrokes)
