Marvel Stadium, Saturday 21st May, 5.30am (EDT)

After a slow start to the season, the Tigers have been rolling over the last month. They have won their last three in a row to jump into the top eight and are starting to resemble the team that has won three of the last five premierships. 

They were too good for the Hawks on the weekend, claiming a 23 point win on the back of another strong game from key forward Tom Lynch. The big man has now kicked 17 goals in his last three games and leads the Coleman Medal with 31 for the season. 

Given their high hopes for season 2022, the Bombers have been without doubt the most disappointing team of the year so far. They have been absolutely slammed in the media after losing their last three in a row and sit in 16th place on the ladder with a 2-7 record. 

They were embarrassed by the Swans on the weekend, going down by 58 points. They maintain a percentage of just 74.5 this year, and have lost their 7 games by an average margin of 38.0 points. 

Season So Far, Richmond

Round 1 lt. Carlton by 25 points
Round 2 dft. GWS by 36 points
Round 3 lt. St Kilda by 33 points
Round 4 dft. Western Bulldogs by 38 points
Round 5 lt. Adelaide by 19 points
Round 6 lt. Melbourne by 22 points
Round 7 dft. West Coast by 109 points
Round 8 dft. Collingwood by 27 points
Round 9 dft. Hawthorn by 23 points

Season So Far, Essendon

Round 1 lt. Geelong by 66 points
Round 2 lt Brisbane by 22 points
Round 3 lt. Melbourne by 29 points
Round 4 dft. Adelaide by 4 points
Round 5 lt. Fremantle by 48 points
Round 6 lt. Collingwood by 11 points
Round 7 lt. Western Bulldogs by 32 points
Round 8 dft. Hawthorn by 27 points
Round 9 lt. Sydney by 58 points

The Tigers start as massive 25.5 point favourites for this clash, but I actually like the Bombers at this line. The Dreamtime at the G clash is always a highly anticipated game and much like ANZAC Day, it often throws up thrilling games. 

I expect this one to be pretty close despite the Bombers issues at the moment. Back them to cover the line.