Round 7 in the AFL begins on Thursday night with an Anzac Day Eve clash between Melbourne and Richmond at the MCG. Both clubs are coming off upset wins last weekend which sets the stage for what should be an entertaining matchup. As always, we bring you our full match preview, best bet, and Same Game Multi below!
Also, Before You Bet will be providing free previews and betting tips for EVERY game in the 2025 AFL season, so make sure to head over to out our AFL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our free content.
Richmond vs Gold Coast
Location: MCG – Melbourne
Date: Thursday, 24th April
Time: 7:30pm AEST
Odds: Melbourne ($1.30) vs Richmond ($3.60)
Line: Melbourne -22.5
Points: 170.5
Odds and lines provided with thanks to Dabble. Note that odds and lines can fluctuate throughout the week, and are correct at the time of writing.
Match Preview
The 2025 Anzac Day Eve clash between Melbourne and Richmond is shaping up as a big one for both sides, with each coming off unexpected wins in Round 6. It’s been a tough start to the season for the Demons, but their 10-point win over Fremantle last week finally got them on the board. Now sitting 17th on the ladder, they’ll be desperate to use that win as a launching pad for a turnaround, and this match at the MCG is a big chance to keep things moving.
Kysaiah Pickett was everywhere against the Dockers, finishing with 24 disposals and five goals in a best-on-ground performance. Max Gawn had a massive influence too, collecting 28 disposals and clunking some huge marks late when the game was on the line. They’ve also made some handy changes this week, with Steven May, Judd McVee and Bayley Fritsch all coming back into the side. That’s a big boost across the board. Jake Melksham is being rested, but the Demons should be stronger overall. Trent Rivers was also solid last week, and the team will be keen to build on that effort.
Richmond, on the other hand, pulled off a shock of their own last round, knocking off the undefeated Suns by 11 points. It was their best showing of the year to date, and they managed to hang on despite a late surge from Gold Coast. Nick Vlastuin was a rock in defence, and Noah Balta made a big difference too, but unfortunately Balta won’t be out there on Thursday night due to personal reasons. Samson Ryan is also out, with Rhyan Mansell coming in and Campbell Gray set to debut. Richmond are 15th on the ladder and still very much a work in progress, but last week was a good step.
When these two sides met last year, it wasn’t much of a contest — Melbourne smashed the Tigers by 43 points in a dominant display under the lights at the 'G. In fact, the Demons have had Richmond’s number in recent years, winning their last two clashes by five goals or more. They’ve also got far more finals experience and depth across the field. Even though their ladder position doesn’t show it yet, Melbourne are clearly the more talented team, and they should be full of confidence after getting that first win out of the way.
The Tigers have struggled against the spread for a while now, failing to cover in 12 of their last 16 games, and they’ll need something special once again to stay close in this one. Melbourne should be able to control the contest around stoppages and get enough inside 50 entries to keep the scoreboard ticking over. With key names returning and the belief starting to build, the Demons are in a great spot to take control of this fixture and notch up another win. Richmond will fight, but don’t be surprised if Melbourne pull away late and win this comfortably.
Melbourne -22.5
$1.85 (2 Units)
Same Game Multi
Throughout the 2025 AFL season we’ll be putting together a fun same game multi for every match at BoomBet using their BetShare feature.
To follow our multi, just click on the BoomBet BetShare button below and our same game multi selections will be added straight into your bet slip on BoomBet. You can then enter how much you wish to wager, and with a single click, your bet has been placed!
Melbourne to Win – As above. Simply expecting the more experienced Demons to be too good in a big game.
Kysaiah Pickett 3+ Goals – Currently in career best form and coming off a five-goal haul against the Dockers. The Tigers have some strong key backs but are vulnerable at ground level, and I expect Kozzy to take full advantage.
Jacob Hopper 25+ Disposals – Is quietly putting together a really strong season. Averaging over 27 disposals per game and has had 25+ in four straight.
Clayton Oliver 25+ Disposals – Not quite back to his absolute best but is building into his season. Averaging over 28 disposals per game and has had 25+ in 5/6.
SGM Odds: $5.00 at BoomBet
