Dreamtime at… Optus Stadium!
The best bets for the traditional Indigenous clash between Essendon and Richmond.
HEad to HEAD
5th June 7:40pm
Essendon and Richmond face off for the Dreamtime clash with the game being moved to Optus Stadium due to health and safety protocols.
The Bombers are coming off a brilliant upset win over West Coast last week after trailing by five goals, while the Tigers continued to blood a handful youngsters in its 28-point win against Adelaide.
Richmond has won the last 10 encounters against Essendon with the Bombers last win against the reigning premier coming all the way back in 2014.
But Essendon is playing with a youthful spirit and a confidence it has not shown in a while.
Dyson Heppell, Zac Merrett and Darcy Parish have guided the Bombers to one game outside the eight and a win here would see them creep one step closer to finals.
The Tigers, however, still know how to get the job done even without Shane Edwards, Dion Prestia, Kane Lambert and Tom Lynch.
A significantly system-based football team is one that will likely trouble the Bombers.
This will be a highly entertaining game but expect the Tigers will get the business done.
Prediction: Richmond by 19 points.
Suggested Bets:
Richmond -11.5 at $1.91
FIRST GOAL SCORER
Jack Riewoldt/Jake Stringer
Tiger captain Trent Cotchin slotted the first major against the Crows last week but he is in some doubt for this game due to personal reasons.
He is as rare a first goal scorer as hen’s teeth.
Let’s look toward Jack Riewoldt to score the first goal for this game given the focus on him due to Tom Lynch being out.
The Tiger veteran kicked a big bag of five goals last week to show the AFL he is far from a spent force.
For the Bombers, the focal point up front comes in the form of three players; Cale Hooker, Anthony McDonald Tipingwuti and Jake Stringer.
Suggested Bet:
Jack Riewoldt first goal scorer $7
Jake Stringer first goal scorer $11
total points scored
Over 172.5 points
This is a real line-ball market and could go either way.
We will side with the overs given the offensive capability of both teams.
The last four games between both of these teams has seen the total points scored go over the set quota at the bounce.
The way Essendon are playing at the moment, it will not die wondering.
Both teams play an exciting, energetic, fast brand of football that should see plenty of goals.
Weather forecast is dry and fine, which will assist with scoring.
Suggested Bet: Total points over 172.5 points at $1.90
