Thursday’s AFL 2018 Round 15 match is between Richmond Tigers and Sydney Swans. The opening kick is set to commence at 19:20 local time with the game to be played at Etihad Stadium. The away team Sydney Swans are the favourites for the match. View our preview and teams for the game between Richmond Tigers and Sydney Swans.
When: 19:20 | Thursday 28/06/2018
Where: Etihad Stadium
Preview:
It’s a bit early to say this is a preview of the Grand Final.
I’m not sure why this game isn’t being played at the MCG.
Tigers’ clash against the Cats was an arm-wrestle and this game against the Swans will be another good battle.
Both sides are coming off the bye so they should be fresh.
With this game being played at Etihad, it will help Sydney marginally as the Swans have a reasonable record at Etihad.
I think the Swans are a good solid defence.
Dane Rampe is in great form and Aliir Aliir has come back into the side and made an impact.
KEY BATTLE: Alex Rance v Lance Franklin
Hopefully we see two of the best going at it.
It will be fascinating.
The Verdict
Richmond, who have won 17 consecutive matches in Melbourne, should have too much class in the midfield and forward line.
Jack Riewoldt has been the first goal-scorer in four of Richmond’s last six matches against Sydney.
Unibet Odds:
Richmond at $1.62
Sydney at $2.35
Odds:
Tip: Sydney Swans at $2.30
Value Bet: First Goal Scorer: Isaac Heeney at $13.00
More Info:
Teams:
Richmond Tigers: 
B: David Astbury, Alex Rance, Dylan Grimes
HB: Jayden Short, Nick Vlastuin, Nathan Broad
C: Shaun Grigg, Trent Cotchin, Dion Prestia
HF: Daniel Rioli, Shane Edwards, Dan Butler
F: Jason Castagna, Jack Riewoldt, Josh Caddy
FOLL: Toby Nankervis, Kane Lambert, Dustin Martin
I/C: Jack Higgins, Brandon Ellis, Jack Graham, Reece Conca
EMG: Callum Moore, Kamdyn McIntosh, Ivan Soldo, Corey Ellis
IN: David Astbury, Dion Prestia
OUT: Ryan Garthwaite, Kamdyn McIntosh.
Sydney Swans: 
B: Nick Smith, Heath Grundy, Dane Rampe
HB: Jarrad McVeigh, Aliir Aliir, Jake Lloyd
C: Harry Cunningham, Josh P. Kennedy, Isaac Heeney
HF: George Hewett, Tom McCartin, Will Hayward
F: Gary Rohan, Lance Franklin, Ben Ronke
FOLL: Callum Sinclair, Luke Parker, Dan Hannebery
I/C: Oliver Florent, Kieren Jack, Zak Jones, James Rose
EMG: Darcy Cameron, Harry Marsh, Daniel Robinson, Dean Towers
IN: Jarrad McVeigh, James Rose
OUT: Tom Papley (Injured), Harry Marsh.
AFL News:
Richmond host Sydney in an AFL finals dress rehearsal on Thursday night, but neither club is thrilled with the choice of venue.
The top-two showdown, which pits the reigning premiers against the team widely expected to be their biggest challengers in September, is at Etihad Stadium rather than the MCG.
League rules dictate that even non-tenant clubs, like the Tigers, play at least one home game at the Docklands ground.
The public reaction of Swans coach John Longmire, whose side have played once at the MCG this year, was akin to that normally reserved for losing a star through injury.
“You don’t have any say in it. We take what we can get, as far as MCG games,” Longmire told reporters in Sydney.
Longmire expanded on his feelings when pressed about interstate clubs’ desire to play more games at the home of football.
“There’s been talk about consideration in regards to that, and I think that needs to be discussed,” he said.
“I leave that to the presidents to sort out.
“If the grand final is played here, at Adelaide Oval or in Perth, I think that Melbourne people might have a bit of a different perspective on that. It just depends what lens you look through, doesn’t it. After all, it’s a home ground.”
The debate is nothing new; remarkably the Swans played a single game at the MCG in 2012 apart from the grand final.
But it has intensified behind closed doors following the deal signed in April, which confirmed the MCG will continue hosting the grand final until at least 2057.
“It’s a fairly significant commitment to be able to play all the grand finals – and the majority of the bigger finals – at the MCG for such a long period of time,” Longmire said.
“Clubs who don’t have that as a home ground, just have to deal with it.”
The Tigers haven’t hosted the Swans at Etihad since 2006.
In sharp contrast, they’re shooting for a venue-record 17 consecutive wins at the MCG.
“We can’t change it, we accept it. We have to play anywhere, anytime,” Hardwick told reporters in Melbourne.
Veteran Jarrad McVeigh is set to return from a calf injury on Thursday.
Key position players Sam Reid and Lewis Melican have recovered from long-term setbacks, but they’re a long way off being ready for an AFL comeback.
Reid and Melican are likely to return via the NEAFL either this weekend or next.
“They’re both really important players for us. We want to make sure we get their programs right for the important part of the year,” Longmire said.
“That means not rushing them.”
