MCG will play host to Saturday's Round 23 AFL game between Essendon Bombers and Richmond Tigers. The game kicks off at 7:25 pm with Richmond Tigers heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Essendon Bombers vs. Richmond Tigers game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Saturday August 20, 2022 at 7:25 pm
Where: MCG
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Essendon Bombers vs Richmond Tigers Odds
Essendon Bombers vs Richmond Tigers Preview
It’s been another tumultuous week off the field for Essendon with president Paul Brasher stepping down on the back of last week’s debacle against Port Adelaide.
Coach Ben Rutten, who has maintained his job for at least one more game, labeled the Bombers’ 84-point home loss as “embarrassing” after his side gave up seven unanswered goals in the second term.
A similar performance against Richmond this week could be the final nail in the coffin for Rutten, and it’s hard to find any confidence in the club with Richmond playing for seventh spot on the ladder.
The Tigers, led by superstar forward Tom Lynch, locked up a return to finals with a blowout win over Hawthorn last week, and they’ll fancy their chances at maintaining their spot after belting the Bombers by 32 points when they met earlier in the year.
Essendon has been one of the easiest teams to score against throughout the course of the season, and their work around the stoppages continues to be second-rate.
Lynch can’t win the Coleman from here, but the big man has been in rare goal-kicking form over the last two weeks, complimented by promising youngster Noah Cumberland, and the always reliable Shai Bolton.
Team’s do tend to respond in times of crisis, but it’s really hard to find any positives about Essendon right now.
The Bombers haven’t beaten the Tigers since 2014, and with the Tiger Army likely in full voice gearing up for the finals, it doesn’t feel like that drought is going to any time soon.
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Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Richmond Tigers to win at $1.32 odds.
First Goal Scorer
First Goal Scorer: Tom Lynch at $6.50.
Essendon Bombers vs Richmond Tigers Teams
BOMBERS
B: Laverde, Hurley, Zerk-Thatcher
HB: Redman, Kelly, Ridley
C: Durham, Parish, Heppell
HF: Guelfi, Shiel, Martin
F: Wright, Stringer, Perkins
FOLL: Draper, Merrett, Caldwell
I/C: D?Ambrosio, Hind, Reid, McGrath
EMG: Menzie, Phillips, Hobbs, Ham
IN: Hurley, Reid
OUT: Langford (injured), Bryan (omitted), Hobbs (sub)
TIGERS
B: Broad, Balta, Tarrant
HB: Baker, Vlastuin, D.Rioli
C: Pickett, Cotchin, McImtosh
HF: M.Rioli, Short, Bolton
F: Riewoldt, Cumberland, Lynch
FOLL: Nankervis, Prestia, Sonsie
I/C: Gibcus, Miller, Ross, Edwards
EMG: Soldo, Mansell, Castagna, Stack
IN: Ross
OUT: Graham (injured), Castagna (sub)