MCG will play host to Friday's Round 9 AFL game between Richmond Tigers and Geelong Cats. The game kicks off at 7:20 pm with Geelong Cats heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Richmond Tigers vs. Geelong Cats game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday May 12, 2023 at 7:20 pm

Where: MCG

Bet: Bet On This Match HERE

Richmond Tigers vs Geelong Cats Odds

Richmond Tigers vs Geelong Cats Preview

The very thought that the Cats could potentially miss out on playing finals almost seems inconceivable now.

After a slow start, Geelong has clawed its way back into the eight with five straight wins, the Cats running out 26-point victors over the Crows last Saturday thanks to another three-goal game from Jeremy Cameron.

A spot in the top four beckons should Chris Scott’s men take care of the Tigers on Friday night, a side that has kept its slim mathematical finals chances alive after downing easy-beats West Coast last week.

It was touch and go for the first three quarters, but a clutch performance from Shai Bolton saw the Tigers home comfortable 46-point winners in the end.

Looking ahead, the Cats could have some personnel issues to address with Brad Close facing the tribunal after his dangerous tackle on Jordan Dawson, while skipper Patrick Dangerfield also left Saturday’s game with a hamstring issue.

In terms of recent history, the Cats have held the wood over the Tigers with wins in their last three meetings, last year’s encounter went right down to the wire with Geelong winning by only three points.

Tigers coach Damien Hardwick continues to field questions regarding the locker room and whether he’s lost the players, and even though last week’s win over the Eagles helped relieve some of the pressure, the same old problems on the field were present.

Richmond lost the clearances and also struggled to keep the ball out of their own forward 50 during the first three quarters, a worrying sign matching up against a Geelong outfit that has averaged nearly seven more scoring shots a game compared to the Tigers this year.

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