The 4 certainties for Richmond versus Melbourne

Back for another year, the SEN.com.au team gives you an insight into how every game will play out across the weekend.

Labelling something a ‘certainty’ in any sport is fraught with danger.

But we’ll attempt to find some anyway.

Here is what we consider certainties for the Round 7 Anzac Eve clash between Richmond and Melbourne at the MCG.

Richmond

Hopper to have 25+ disposals

Jacob Hopper is back in Richmond’s midfield and it couldn’t come at a better time with Tim Taranto out.

The former Giant has hit the 20-disposal in 13 of 18 games in Tigers colours including two lots of 23 against Melbourne.

In his two games in 2024 he has picked up 23 and 25 touches and we’re backing him to have an impact first-up after a knee injury on Wednesday night.

Hopper really should be racking up 20 disposals and given Richmond’s midfield needs him to stand up, he could head towards the 25 mark.

Vlastuin to have 3+ intercept marks, 5+ total marks, 6+ intercept possessions

Richmond’s defence is set up around Nick Vlastuin.

He is so often the third man up, using his aerial ability and smarts to take crucial intercept marks.

In 2024 he is in All-Australian form and we’re confident he will continue that at the MCG on Wednesday night.

The Demons have had their fair share of issues with forward connectivity so far this season and if that happens to be the case again, expect Vlastuin to pounce.

He has taken 20 intercept marks in six games so we feel at least three of those is an achievable target, as well as at least five marks total and six or more intercept possessions.

Andrew Slevison

Melbourne

Viney tohave 25+ disposals

Melbourne midfielder Jack Viney loves playing against Richmond.

The inside bull has had at least 26 disposals in each of the last three times he’s faced off against the Tigers, including returns of 30+ both times the sides met in 2023.

In 2024 so far, Viney has passed 20 disposals in five of his six appearances but has only beaten the 25-touch marker once.

While that might not give you much confidence, if there’s ever going to be a game where he gets there, it’s on Anzac Eve.

20+ disposals for those playing it safe, but 25+ should offer some genuine value given how he’s gone this year so far.

Pickett to kick at least one goal

Melbourne forward Kysaiah Pickett returns from suspension to face the Tigers on Wednesday night.

The gun small has goaled in all four of his games so far this season and has kicked eight from four appearances overall.

He also goaled both times the Demons played the Tigers in 2023.

He also has kicked a major in 13 of his last 14 games. Lock him in for at least one.

Lachlan Geleit

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