Lachie’s AFL Round 21 Preview: Western Bulldogs v Richmond Tigers | Betting Preview 

Western Bulldogs vs. Richmond: Friday Night Showdown at Marvel Stadium

Get ready for an exciting Friday night clash as the Western Bulldogs take on Richmond at Marvel Stadium. With both teams eager to secure a crucial victory, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter. Let’s delve into the stats and recent form to see what we can expect from these two sides.

Western Bulldogs: A Season of Ups and Downs

The Bulldogs have had a mixed bag of a season, currently sitting in the 8th spot with a record of 10 wins and 9 losses. However, their recent performances have been less than impressive, managing just 2 wins in the last 5 weeks. Last week’s game against the Giants saw them squander a substantial lead of 5+ goals at the Giants’ fortress in Mars Stadium before ultimately suffering a disappointing loss.

Despite their inconsistencies, the Bulldogs remain a formidable team when they find their rhythm. They will miss some key defenders in Keath, Bruce, and Gardner due to injuries, but the inclusion of Richards and Jones will strengthen their backline.

Richmond: Roaring Back to Form

The Tigers may sit 11th on the ladder with a 9-1-9 record, but they’ve shown glimpses of their premiership-winning form in recent matches. Over the past 5 weeks, Richmond has notched 3 wins and 2 losses, one of which came against the highly-rated Lions at the Gabba, missing some of their star players. Last week’s match against the Demons was an intense battle that saw them narrowly fall short due to a heroic effort from Max Gawn.

Though Richmond has opted to rest club legends Cotchin and Dusty Martin, they will welcome back key players in Short and Nankervis, bolstering their lineup. Dusty Martin’s performance last week proved that he still possesses his match-winning abilities.

Marvel Stadium: A Hoodoo for the Tigers

Interestingly, Marvel Stadium has not been a happy hunting ground for the Tigers. They seem to struggle when playing at this venue, which could play to the advantage of the Bulldogs. However, recent form suggests that Richmond is in better shape heading into this match.

Prediction: A Close Contest

While the Bulldogs are no strangers to success, Richmond’s recent form and talent make them a tough opponent. The absence of Cotchin and Dusty Martin might be a setback for the Tigers, but their depth and determination have been commendable.

Given the current scenario, the Tigers have an edge over the Bulldogs. The point spread for this match stands at +13.5 in favor of Richmond, and it appears to be a reasonable bet. Expect a hard-fought battle, but the Tigers are likely to hold their ground and cover the handicap.