The undefeated Melbourne Demons face the ultimate test when it goes head to head against the reigning premier Richmond on Saturday night at the MCG.
Best bets for head to head, first goal scorer and total points markets are all locked, loaded and ready to go.
HEad to HEAD
April 24th 7:25pm
This is the first time Melbourne have entered a Round 6 contest sitting with a 5-0 record since 1994 and it could not come at a better time against Richmond.
It’s between a long time between drinks for the Demons with regards to defeating the Tigers.
The Demons last win against the premiers dates back to 2016, but fast forward to this Saturday and there is a buzz around the Melbourne playing group.
An eight-goal final quarter blitz ensured the Demons ran away with a 50-point win over Hawthorn last week, while the Tigers sent a hapless St Kilda packing from Marvel Stadium with an 86-point demolition.
The star power for Melbourne was on display in Round 5 with Demons on-baller Christian Petracca forging ahead with his brilliant start to 2021 by collecting 23 disposals, two goals, 12 score involvements and seven inside 50s against the Hawks, while Tigers champion Dustin Martin had a night out against the Saints collecting 34 disposals and a goal.
It’s the first genuine litmus test the Demons face this season and with a host of players such as Ben Brown and Sam Weideman set to return, there is all the reason to ride the red and blue wave.
Prediction: Demons by 10 points.
Suggested Bets:
Melbourne head to head at $2.18
FIRST GOAL SCORER
Kysaiah Pickett/Christian Petracca
By the looks of it, Melbourne have made quick starts their mantra this season having slammed home the first goal on four out of five occasions this year.
The only time it failed to do so was last week against Hawthorn.
The Demons have had a variety of first goalscorer with Jack Viney, Alex Neal-Bullen, Kysaiah Pickett and most recently Christian Petracca all hitting the scoreboard early.
It shows they are happy to spread the ball around and highlights a midfield willing to press inside forward 50 to find the gap in between big sticks.
Richmond, however, have only managed to kick the first major of a game twice this season with Jack Riewoldt achieving the feat against Hawthorn and Jack Graham managing the first goal against St Kilda last week.
Max Gawn and Pickett did manage to get the first and second shots on goal last week but will be closely watched by the Tigers given their x-factor and match winning ability.
Going to stick the Demons players here.
Suggested Bet:
Kysaiah Pickett first goal scorer at $12
Christian Petracca first goal scorer at $15
total points scored
under 161.5
The conditions may play a major factor in the outcome of how many points are scored in this game.
There are scattered showers predicted for Melbourne on Saturday and if they do fall then we might be set for a scrappy affair.
The previous two fixtures between the clubs have gone well under the current 161.5 points line being set by the market.
In 2019 there were 153 points scored and in 2020 it was a mere 131 points.
Keep an eye on the weather. If it rains, then the unders looks the way to go.
Suggested Bet: Total points scored under 161.5 points at $1.91.
