AFL TIPS: Richmond v St Kilda

Saturday, August 9 – 1.20 PM AEST – Venue: MCG

St Kilda and Richmond will be playing for pride and for their fans. Both have had seasons to forget. The Tigers were very disappointing last week against the Suns losing by 84 points and will need to ensure they are strong around the contest right from the first bounce. The Saints had another hard fought win against the Kangas last week after their remarkable win after playing poorly for 3 quarters against Melbourne the previous week. They will need to bring their best for the whole game this week, if they are to notch up three wins in a row.

The Tigers will likely get Tim Taranto back this week and Josh Smillie may return too.  They have a solid defence led by Nick Vlastuin and now that Noah Balta is available every week they have strength in defence too. They have to function better in the forward line after kicking 2.11 last week. Nankervis will continue to give the mids first opportunity and will be a powerhouse around the ground, so Marshall will need to play well to counter his dominance.   

It’ll be hard to change a winning side, but Mattaes Phillipou will be available after a week in the VFL after being out since round eleven. Paddy Dow has had no luck with injury this season, but he may get a game after being very influential in the VFL over recent weeks. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Jack Sinclair were dominant with the ball last week, and they will have to do it again if the Saints are to beat the Tigers. The skipper Jack Steele will get a full game after being the sub last week.

Tough to pick the winner of this one, but I think the Saints will keep the momentum going and win a close one. 

St Kilda by 5 points