The Tigers are starting to roar in 2022 and should easily account for the flailing Hawks on Saturday at the ‘G.
Best Bet
Richmond -16.5 ($1.90)
These look to be two teams moving in opposite directions in season 2022.
After a slow start, Richmond have slowly rediscovered their form in recent weeks, winning their last two and clearing the line in four of their last five. It’s no surprise this has come with the returns of Dion Prestia and Dustin Martin, plus the white hot form of Tom Lynch.
Prestia, in particular, is vital given the Tigers’ thin inside midfield stocks. Damien Hardwick’s team have covered the line in just 4 of 15 games Prestia has missed in the last two years, but 9 of 15 when he has played. He is expected to play after missing last week with a virus.
After a bright start, Hawthorn have fallen in a hole of late, losing five of their last six. Their loss to the struggling Bombers last week was the second time in three weeks that Sam Mitchell’s team has been humiliated in the fourth quarter. The Hawks gave up eight goals in the final stanza after conceding nine to Sydney a fortnight earlier.
Many predicted the Hawks to be a bottom four team in 2022 and they look to be trending that way now. Expect the improving Tigers to cover here.
Same Game Multi
Richmond -16.5 / Over 162.5 Total Points (Alternate) / Tom Lynch 3+ Goals / Dion Prestia 25+ Disposals ($6.50)
Expect plenty of goals on Saturday between two of the best teams to back for the overs. Hawthorn’s last five have all cleared the total while six of eight Richmond games have in 2022. This is a big line so we’ll take a haircut for some added security.
Dion Prestia has cleared 25 disposals in his last three games.
Value Bet
Tom Lynch 5+ Goals ($6.25) & 6+ Goals ($14.00)
Coming off six and seven goals in the last fortnight, Tom Lynch just has to be backed in present form. Peter Wright kicked six against Hawthorn last week, Ben Brown four the week prior and Buddy 3.4 in Round 6. He looks a great bet for another bag this week.
