Two of Melbourne's oldest rivals face-off on Wednesday night, when the Tigers host the Demons at the MCG.
The Dees seemed to have put their horror start to the season behind them in Round 4, before they came out last week and got towelled-up by the Saints.
With just percentage keeping them off the bottom of the ladder, they need to start winning soon, or risk sitting out in September.
But with an in-form Richmond side in their path, it won't be easy.
Why Tigers can win
Just when it was looking like the yellow and black army were set for a stint down the bottom of the ladder, they've come out and won two straight games.
Their famed tackle pressure has been getting the job done for them in a period where their star players have been out with injury and suspension.
Jack Reiwoldt only needs to pass a fitness test to be ready for this clash and alongside an in-form Tom Lynch, the Tigers will have plenty of firepower up front.
And with an outstanding record when playing in Melbourne, it's no surprise that Richmond are listed as heavy favourites in the AFL odds.
Why Demons can win
The way Melbourne have started their 2019 campaign has had many experts scratching their heads.
The Dees have one of the most talented squads in the AFL, but are playing like one of the worst.
They're ranked equal first for most clangers in 2019, an AFL stat that they interestingly share with Richmond.
However, while the Tigers have never been about precise ball use, the Dees have.
They're not only executing poorly, but don't seem to be playing with the same energy or toughness that saw them make it to the prelims last year.
With plenty of injury concerns, only a massive form reversal would see them prevail here.
Key AFL Stats
The underdog has covered the line in 7 of the past 8 games at the MCG: Demons to cover the +14.5 point line @ $1.90
The Tigers have won 7 of thair last 9 matches in Melbourne by a margin of 1-39 points: Richmond to win by 1-39 points @ $2.10
Tom Lynch has booted 3+ goals in 4 of the Tigers' previous 5 fixtures.
AFL Betting Tip: Richmond to win by a margin of 1-39 points @ $2.10
Reasoning: While the Demons couldn't be as bad as they were last week, you could only tip a Tigers win here.
The traditional ANZAC day clash will see two teams in top form take to the MCG in front of what's expected to be a 90,000+ crowd.
You know that the contests will be fierce, as the gun midfields from both teams butt heads in the middle of the park.
Essendon will love nothing more than to claim Collingwood as their fourth-straight scalp after a shocker start to the season.
The Pies meanwhile are looking the goods and can rise to the top of the table with a strong win here.
Why Bombers can win
If you forget the opening two rounds, then the Dons are playing like the best team in the competition.
They've got back to their dynamic, free-flowing attacking play, with small forwards Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and Orazio Fantasia starting to dominate.
And with star full-forward Joe Daniher lining up for his first game of 2019 last week, the Bombers have plenty of ammunition up front.
Daniher kicked 2 goals in Essendon's 58-point demolition of North Melbourne.
He'll only improve with that game under his belt.
Look for a big performance against an understrength Collingwood defence.
Why Magpies can win
Speaking of the Pies, they have more than enough attacking weapons to trouble the Dons.
They racked up 123 points away to Brisbane last week, which should have Essendon's defenders worried.
In fact, the Pies have booted the 3rd most goals in 2019 with 66, two behind the Bombers' total of 68.
But it's the midfield where the Maggies will hope to win it.
With players like Adam Treloar, Steele Sidebottom, Taylor Adams and Scott Pendlebury in the middle of the park, the Pies have the clear ascendancy on paper.
Key AFL Stat
The Magpies have won their previous 3 regular season away games: Collingwood to win @ $1.50
AFL Betting Tip: Total match points to be over 175.5 @ $1.87
Reasoning: Both sides have been scoring for fun of late.
With so many weapons up front, expect this game to turn into a shootout.
Port Adelaide Power vs North Melbourne Kangaroos
AFL Odds: Power $1.25 (-24.5) / Kangaroos $3.70 (+24.5)
Friday night footy takes us to the Adelaide Oval, where both teams will be desperate for a win, albeit for different reasons.
Port will come in full of confidence, after they pulled off a huge upset in Round 5, toppling the Eagles out west.
However, Port Adelaide are renowned for their inconsistency, and need to make a statement with a big win in a game where they'll start as heavy favourites in the AFL odds.
The Kangas meanwhile are languishing at the bottom of the ladder. A win is essential.
Why Power can win
Port have already unearthed some young guns in 2019 who look like stars in the making.
But in their big win over the Eagles, it was the experienced hard-heads in the middle of the park who got the job done.
Tom Rockliff was immense, while Ollie Wines was best on ground with 35 disposals and a goal.
At 24 years of age, Wines is ready to explode, and become one of the competition's elite midfielders.
He'll need to have another good game to help overturn a recent poor run at the Adelaide Oval.
Why Kangaroos can win
The Kangas were okay for about a quarter last week, before they were blown off the park by Essendon.
While they don't quite have the personnel at their disposal as some of Melbourne's other clubs, North were still expected to be challenging for the eight in 2019.
Especially after they recruited the likes of Jared Polec and Japer Pittard in the off-season.
Both are ex-Power players, and they'll be looking to come out and make a statement against the club that let them go.
Even so, the Roos have been very poor, and you couldn't tip them on what we've seen so far.
Key AFL Stat
Port Adelaide have lost 5 of their last 6 games at the Adelaide Oval: Kangaroos to win @ $3.70
AFL Betting Tip: North Melbourne to cover the +24.5 point line @ $1.90
Reasoning: You just can't trust the Power at the Adelaide Oval.
Apr 24, 2019 07:01 PM
AAP
Key AFL Stats
AFL Betting Tip: Richmond to win by a margin of 1-39 points @ $2.10
