West Coast v Richmond betting tips & predictions | AFL Rd 5 14/4

West Coast Eagles vs Richmond Tigers best bets

West Coast v Richmond match preview

West Coast will be looking to notch their first win of the 2024 AFL season when they host Richmond at Optus Oval for the final game of round 5 on Sunday.

According to betting sites, the struggling Eagles are still outsiders but in contention for this clash, priced at $3.30 against the injury-hit Tigers ($1.34).

The Eagles fought bravely against the Swans in round 4, carrying a five-point lead into halftime before they ran out of legs and faded late in the contest. This was the side’s best effort in the 2024 AFL season, and they will be hopeful of springing an upset back on home soil.

West Coast was competitive across most of the key stats against the Swans, matching them on inside 50s, disposal efficiency, contested possessions, and tackles. They were beaten at the stoppage by the Sydney midfield, but otherwise produced a solid effort all around the ground.

On the selection front, the Eagles are relieved that key forward Ryan Maric has avoided serious damage after his heavy collision with teammate Jack Darling. He performed light training during the week as his bruises heal. Midfielder Luke Edwards suffered from hamstring tightness, but looks set to play. Forward Tyler Brockman is available for selection after completing concussion protocols and will take on Richmond. Dom Sheed and Jai Culley were carefully managed in the WAFL and are inching towards a recall.

Richmond left Norwood Oval empty-handed after dominating much of their match against St Kilda. The Saints were held to a mere 1.5.(11) at halftime and the Tigers will be ruing their inability to close out a win. A lacklustre third quarter cost Richmond the premiership points and we can imagine there were some harsh words in the coaching box as the game slipped from their grasp.

Both sides struggled with efficiency inside 50 and turnovers in a frustrating spectacle played at a reserve grade standard. The Tigers were especially wasteful in their forward arc operating at just 30 per cent efficiency.

The Tigers face the longest injury list in the AFL and the situation appeared to worsen when midfielders Thomson Dow and Kane McAuliffe suffered minor ankle injuries in the loss to St Kilda. They will both need to pass fitness tests to play against the Eagles. Defender Dylan Grimes faces another mid-week test after narrowly failing to return against the Saints with a wrist complaint. Forward Liam Baker is now available for selection after completing his one-game suspension. 

West Coast v Richmond betting tips

We are expecting the Eagles to acquit themselves well in this match and cover the 20.5-point line. The form of Elliot Yeo has been particularly pleasing, and he is a talisman for their fortunes. Their solid all-round stats against the Swans augers well for this home fixture and we are happy to support them with the 20.5-point head start, returning $1.90 on Neds.

We are also interested in Wire to Wire betting on this clash, with it very possible the Eagles can lead at one of the breaks. They achieved this against Sydney with a five-point lead at half-time, following five goals and six behinds in a quarter of dominance. Any other result will pay out a generous $2.12 on Unibet if they can replicate such an effort against inferior opposition.

West Coast midfielder and 2023 number one draft pick Harley Reid has impressed in his ability to compete at the top level, averaging 15.8 disposals and 4.3 clearances. He also landed seven tackles against the Swans and bobbed up with a timely goal. We are hoping he can continue this hot form and impact the scoreboard for a $2.10 return via Playup.

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