The Third game on Saturday for AFL Round 11 is between Essendon Bombers and Richmond Tigers. The opening bounce is set to commence at 7:45 PM with the game to be played at MCG. The favourite for the match is home team Essendon Bombers. View our preview and teams for the game between Essendon Bombers and Richmond Tigers.

Round:Round 11 , May 31, 2014 , 7:45 PM
Stadium:MCG
Weather: 19° A little rain developing.

Featured Bookmakers:

Odds Comparison:

Essendon Bombers	1.60	1.62	1.67	1.62	1.60	1.65
Richmond Tigers preview	2.40	2.30	2.25	2.30	2.40	2.30

All odds are subject to change. Odds listed are correct at the time of the latest update.

Tips: Essendon Bombers to win.

Preview:

RICHMOND restored some pride after a difficult season with a thumping win over Greater Western Sydney last week, and Jack Riewoldt kicked 11 goals. Riewoldt used to enjoy playing against the Bombers but in recent times has been well held by Jake Carlisle and Michael Hurley, and has only booted six goals in his past three games against Essendon. Having had their bye last week, the Bombers should enter the annual Dreamtime at the ‘G game fresh and ready to go in what could be a season-shaping match for them after a tough start to the year.

LAST FIVE TIMES
R23, 2013, Richmond 15.14 (104) d Essendon 9.11 (65) at the MCG
R9, 2013, Essendon 13.13 (91) d Richmond 9.8 (62) at the MCG
R22, 2012, Richmond 13.24 (102) d Essendon 8.9 (57) at the MCG
R8, 2012, Essendon 19.14 (128) d Richmond 15.19 (109) at the MCG
R16, 2011, Essendon 15.15 (105) d Richmond 9.12 (66) at the MCG

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THE SIX POINTS
1. Despite their patchy form, the Bombers continue to find the ball, ranking second for total disposals this season. They average 406 a game.

2. The Tigers will be looking to close down the Bombers’ chip-chip style. Under Mark Thompson, the Bombers have taken more marks this season than any team with 1102.

3. Alex Rance will be an important player as the Tigers look to hold Essendon to 10 or fewer goals for the seventh consecutive game. The Richmond defender was excellent last week with 21 disposals.

4. Ben Lennon has taken no time showing his talent at the top level. Richmond’s first draft pick last year kicked two goals on debut against Melbourne and had 16 disposals, including eight marks, against the Giants.

5. These contests are always hard for tipsters. Of their past 10 meetings, both clubs have won five apiece, with form generally no solid guide.

6. Fresh from his 36-dipsoal effort against the Giants last week, Dustin Martin is back in form. That’s reflected in the Official AFL Player Ratings, brought to you by Gatorade, where Martin has had successive rises in the past two weeks. He’s ranked 80th in the competition now.

Teams:

ESSENDON
B: Michael Hibberd, Michael Hurley, Mark Baguley
HB: Courtenay Dempsey, Cale Hooker, Dustin Fletcher
C: Brent Stanton, Jobe Watson, Brendon Goddard
HF: Jason Winderlich, Tom Bellchambers, Paul Chapman
F: Zach Merrett, Jake Carlisle, Heath Hocking
Fol: Patrick Ryder, David Myers, Dyson Heppell
I/C: Ben Howlett, David Zaharakis, Jake Melksham, Patrick Ambrose
Emg: Elliott Kavanagh, Joe Daniher, Travis Colyer,
In: Jason Winderlich, Paul Chapman, Ben Howlett,
Out: Jackson Merrett (Hand), Joe Daniher (Omitted), Kurt Aylett (Omitted)

RICHMOND
Backs T.Chaplin, D.Grimes, S.Morris
HBacks B.Houli, A.Rance, S.Grigg
Centre D.Jackson, S.Edwards, R.Conca
HForwards D.Martin, I.Maric, B.Deledio
Forwards M.Thomas, J.Riewoldt, B.Lennon
Followers S.Hampson, B.Ellis, T.Cotchin
Interchange B.Griffiths, M.Dea, M.McDonough, N.Foley
Emergencies R.Petterd, A.Miles, J.Batchelor
Ins I.Maric
Outs T.Vickery