Richmond v Port Adelaide AFL R2 picks & odds | March 24, 2024

Richmond v Port Adelaide best bets

Richmond v Port Adelaide match preview

The Richmond Tigers continue their hunt for their opening win of the 2024 AFL Premiership season as they welcome the Port Adelaide Power to the MCG on Sunday afternoon.

Despite a spirited effort last weekend, the Tigers went down to Carlton by five points in an end-to-end affair. In a match with 10 lead changes, the Tigers led at every change, but they were unable to hold off the fast-finishing Blues. Swingman Noah Balta impressed with 23 disposals and three goals, while midfielder Jacob Hopper led the way with 25 touches.

Now sitting 0-2 under new coach Adam Yze, Richmond’s hopes for this season are already looking dire, with top AFL bookmakers extending their odds to +600 just to make the finals.

It was also a terrible week for injuries as Dion Prestia (hamstring), Josh Gibcus (knee) and Tylar Young (concussion) have all been ruled out for the near future. Expect Balta to move into defence along with the addition of Ben Miller, while Tyler Sonsie is a chance to play his first match after serving his suspension.

It was a different situation for the Power in their opening match of the season as they had a comfortable 50-point win against the West Coast Eagles. After going in out straight sets during last year’s finals series, it was the perfect start to the year for a club with premiership aspirations. Among the standouts were star midfielders Connor Rozee and Zak Butters, who combined for 54 disposals and three goals.

Expect the side to stay largely the same for this clash, with only one forced change as Jed McEntee misses with concussion. Francis Evans is the likely replacement after playing as the substitute last weekend, while Quinton Narkle is also chance to make the final 23.

Richmond v Port Adelaide predictions

Given their growing list of injuries, the Tigers look unlikely to turn things around this weekend. The Power should have far too much quality across the park, and they come in as strong favourites with AFL betting sites. Port Adelaide should have no issue covering the -12.5 line at -111.11 in a match that could quickly get out of hand.

Jacob Hopper has stood out as a consistent ball winner for the Tigers after an underwhelming 2023. The 27-year-old spends plenty of time around the football and a part of nearly every centre bounce. After collecting 25 touches in the loss to the Blues, Hopper offers great value at +115 to do it again this week.

Coming off an injury-affected season, veteran Power forward Charlie Dixon looked back to his best last weekend against the Eagles. Although some dicey kicking meant he only finished with 3.3, he asserted his dominance in the air in a powerful display. Facing a depleted Richmond key defence, back Dixon to continue his good start with three or more goals at +180 with Bovada.

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