Richmond vs Melbourne AFL Round 6 tips & odds | Sunday, 24/04/22

The AFL’s ANZAC Eve clash at the MCG between the Richmond Tigers and Melbourne Demons has rapidly become one of the most highly anticipated events of the season.

This year’s battle will see the Tigers attempt to deal the Demons their first loss of the 2022 season, while the reigning premiers want to keep their 12-match winning-streak rolling.

Simon Goodwin may have the bookies on his side, but the task will not be easy this Sunday after premiership pair Jack Viney and Jake Lever were ruled out due to health and safety protocols.

The Richmond Tigers will regain Kamdyn McIntosh and young gun Josh Gibcus, at the expense of Marlion Pickett and Hugo Ralphsmith, who were both enjoying their footy in 2022.

Besides Melbourne’s victory in last year’s clash, the Tigers had won five consecutive matchups with the Dees, as prime Dustin Martin was too good during their premiership era.

Although the Brownlow Medallist has not played since round one, the Tigers have been potent up forward, currently ranking seventh in the league for points scored, just two spots behind Melbourne.

The Melbourne Demons’ best asset so far this season has been their defence, which ranks first in the league after averaging less than 60 points per game through the first five rounds.

Key matchup: Nick Vlastuin vs Bayley Fritsch
Damian Hardwick welcomed back Nick Vlastuin with open arms last week, and the premiership defender delivered upon return. Vlastuin had 21 touches and took nine marks against the Crows, but he did allow a few goals to slip through.

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Bayley Fritsch is one forward you cannot give an inch, as he is so damaging around the ground with his deadeye set-shots and field kicking. Vlastuin is a good matchup for Fritsch in both body composition and athleticism, but he is going to have to be at his best to stop the Demon forward, who has kicked multiple goals in four out of the five rounds thus far.

Richmond vs Melbourne betting tips

Richmond Tigers +22.5
The main area of the ground the Tigers will be vulnerable will be the midfield, as Max Gawn, Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver will be hard to stop, however, the forward combination of Tom Lynch, Jack Riewoldt and Noah Balta is exceptional when given opportunities. If the Tigers can get the ball forward and provide consistent chances, they should kick a good enough score to hold the line.

Jayden Short to get 30 + disposals
Jayden Short has been one of the best half-back flankers in 2022 so far, averaging just under 28 touches per game for the Tigers. Short is an expert when it comes to gathering uncontested possessions, as he takes a majority of the kick-ins and loves to handball receive. Short’s teammates know he is dangerous by foot and will look to get the ball in his hands, so he should break the 30-mark for the fourth time this season on Sunday.

Richmond Tigers vs Melbourne Demons Same game multi tips

We are predicting a close battle for this year’s ANZAC Eve blockbuster. Jayden Short will be influential out of the backline and help the Tigers stay close to Melbourne, while Bayley Fritsch will take his chances up forward and convert a couple of majors.

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