Two fantastic matches take place on Saturday and the Fox Sports Lab takes an in depth look at the two matches.
Dreamtime At The ‘G sees Essendon and Richmond meet at the MCG to honour Indigenous and First Nations people for one of the biggest clashes on the AFL calendar.
The two long-time rivals will both be desperate for a win, but Richmond have won the last eight Dreamtime games and thirteen on the trot over the Bombers. Who takes it out in 2023?
ESSENDON BOMBERS (4-5) v RICHMOND TIGERS (3-5-1) BETTING PREVIEW
ESSENDON: $2.40 (via bet365)
RICHMOND: $1.65 (via Ladbrokes)
MCG, Saturday, 7.40pm
Full CODE Bet Match Centre here
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING AT
- Dreamtime at the ‘G has been dominated by Richmond, who have won the last eight straight and an amazing 13 total in a row against Essendon.
- 11 of those 13 wins have been between 1-39 points.
- Eight of the Bombers last 11 games have the total points over.
THE MATCH-UP
Dreamtime at the ‘G is one of the most special moments in the entire AFL calendar as the AFL honours Indigenous and first nations people amid a massive Essendon Richmond showdown.
This year’s Dreamtime at the ‘G promises plenty: Essendon are 4-5 with four losses in a row after a fast start to the year, while Richmond (3-5-1) has righted the ship somewhat with two straight wins, including a statement victory over Geelong last round.
Richmond has dominated the Dreamtime at the ‘G matchup, however, winning a remarkable eight contests in a row as part of 13 straight victories over Essendon, with the Bombers not defeating Richmond since May 2014.
Richmond now have double the amount of Dreamtime at the ‘G wins as Essendon, 12-6.
The Tigers ran over the Bombers last year 80-48 in this game, and then 141-75 in round 23, but in 11 of those 13 straight wins Richmond have over Essendon the margin has fallen between 1-39 points. Plus three of the past four games have hit the total points over.
On top of that, eight of Essendon’s last 11 games have hit the over as well: the Bombers are scoring 90.1 points a game (seventh best) but giving up 87.8 (13th).
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti of the Bombers celebrates a goal during the 2023 AFL Round 9. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images
BOMBS AWAY
The Bombers four-game losing streak is full of moral victories, but moral victories don’t put four points on the board.
Will their midfield and by-committee forward-line be able to hang with the Tigers?
Jordan Ridley returns, but the Bombers lose Will Setterfield and are still without Darcy Parish, so again the midfield oomph will lie in the hands of captain Zach Merrett, who has five straight games of 30+ touches against the Tigers.
Former captain Dyson Heppell also has a great track record against the Tigers, dropping 21+ touches in 12 of his last 13 games against Richmond.
Jake Stringer has 4+ goals in four his past six home games: on the big stage can he step up again?
While Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti has 1+ goals in each of the last six games he’s played.
Jayden Short (left) and Dustin Martin of the Tigers during the 2023 AFL Round 09. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
TIGERS ROARING
Richmond were exceptional in last week’s victory over Geelong and Tiges fans will be hoping they continue that form at the ‘G. They lose Jacob Hopper to injury but regain big Toby Nankervis to solidify their ailing ruck stocks and boost that midfield attack.
Sliding in and around that midfield is a big performer who gets better when it matters most: Daniel Rioli has gone for 21+ touches in nine straight games and will relish stepping up at Dreamtime at the ‘G.
Speaking of big performers, they don’t come much bigger than Dustin Martin. The three-time Norm Smith Medallist and Brownlow Medal winner has had a solid year, averaging over 20 disposals and a goal per game.
Dusty finally got loose for four massive goals against the Cats last week and has been threatening up forward all season, but it’s worth noting that he loves playing the Bombers, having ripped off 26+ disposals in eight of his last nine games against Essendon.
DREAMTIME AT THE G – FIRST GOAL KICKER
Shai Bolton is one of the AFL’s most electric players and has kicked 3+ goals in the last two games where Richmond have been favourites at the ‘G. He’s also kicked the first goal of the game three times since the start of last season.
THE PICK
13 in a row against an opposition team is no joke, even if you’ve been a juggernaut for a decade. With 11 of those 13 being relatively close and within the 1-39 margin, Essendon always put up a fight, but eight straight Dreamtime at the ‘G wins should become nine.
Jack Riewoldt (left) and Dion Prestia of the Tigers. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
— SIX-LEG YOU’RE DREAMIN’ SGM —
- Dustin Martin – anytime goal
Dusty has kicked at last one goal in 13 of his last 14 games at the ‘G.
- Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti – anytime goal
Tippa has a goal in his last six games
- Andrew McGrath – 20+ disposals
McGrath has 20+ in his last four games at the MCG
- Jack Riewoldt – 2+ goals
Jack has kicked 2+ goals in four straight night games.
- Jayden Short – 25+ disposals
The vertically challenged one has 25+ in four straight at the MCG.
- Daniel Rioli – 20+ disposals
Rioli has 21+ in nine games on the trot.
SIX-LEG YOU’RE DREAMIN’ SGM @ $13.12 (via Ladbrokes)
[all odds as of May 19]
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