Richmond Tigers vs Sydney Swans Tips - Tigers to come away strong winners

Richmond Tigers vs Sydney Swans predictions for Saturday's AFL Round 3 match
Both sides are unbeaten with 2-0 records
Match preview, predictions and latest team news

Richmond and Sydney will face off at the MCG Saturday afternoon. (Getty)

Justin Darcy 02 Apr 2021

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Richmond Tigers vs Sydney Swans Tips

Reigning premiers Richmond and the 2021 surprise packet Sydney have both kicked off the season unbeaten.

Richmond seemed a little scratchy against Carlton to kick off the season, but have quickly found their mojo, destroying Hawthorn in the first half of last week's match. Their experience should see off the Swans young guns.

Richmond Tigers' 2 wins this season have been by 25 points or more.
Richmond Tigers have not lost a day match at the MCG in their last 23 matches.
Richmond Tigers have won their last 3 matches against Sydney Swans.
Sydney Swans have seen their last 4 matches go over the total match points line.

Head-to-Head

Although Richmond have won the last three encounters with the Swans, the matches have not been one sided.

The last three margins in Richmond's favour have been 8, 22 and 26 points, although none of these matches were been played at the MCG.

Richmond Tigers Form

Richmond have started off the season in perfect fashion with two good wins over sides they were expected to beat.

The reigning premiers look fit, healthy and most importantly, hungry for another flag which is what we love to see from champion sides.

Dustin Martin was the berometer in the Round 1 win over Carlton, and was the star of the show in Round 2 victory over Hawthorn with 28 touches and a goal. It was three votes for Martin.

He is once again in Brownlow Medal form and has openly admitted to loving his footy more than ever, an instrumental part of the Tigers current success.

Richmond Tigers Team News

From an injury front, the Tigers' have opted to not rush Nick Vlastuin and Bachar Houli back into action.

In the only change, Derek Eggmolesse-Smith comes in for his debut with Daniel Rioli dropped to the emergencies.

Sydney Stack is now only three weeks away from returning to footy, and will be a key addition to the Richmond side.

Richmond Tigers Team List

B: D.Astbury, N.Balta, D.Grimes

HB: L.Baker, N.Broad, J.Short

C: K.McIntosh, T.Cotchin, M.Pickett

HF: S.Bolton, S.Edwards, J.Castagna

F: T.Lynch, D.Martin, J.Riewoldt

FOLL: T.Nankervis, D.Prestia, K.Lambert

I/C: J.Aarts, D.Eggmolesse-Smith, J.Graham, J.Caddy

EMG: J.Ross, D.Rioli, H.Ralphsmith, M.Chol

Sydney Swans Form

The Swans have started the season playing rather impressively, beating Brisbane Lions easily and comfortably holding Adelaide Crows last weekend.

Sydney were inconsistent last season, but they have recruited well in the draft and are setting the competition alight with the speed they play the game.

Their three young stars, Logan McDonald, Braeden Campbell and Errol Gulden, have been the focus of the Swans side in the opening two rounds.

The latter two both were awarded Rising Star nominations in the first two rounds, with McDonald likely to join them based on the first year player's form.

While the light is on the young players, Josh Kennedy, Jake Lloyd, Isaac Heeney and Luke Parker are all still crucial for Sydney.