<p>The ANZAC weekend of footy begins with the traditional Melbourne vs Richmond ANZAC Eve match at the MCG.</p> <p>Entering its 10th year of this fixture becoming a permanent part of the football calendar, it’s safe to say that the prospects of this being a decent contest looks significantly better now than they did a couple of weeks ago.</p> <p>The Demons finally remembered how to score and got off the canvas to record their first win of the season against the Dockers. Simon Goodwin made a statement at selection in dropping Fritsch and van Rooyen and it cleared the way for Kozzie Pickett and Harrison Petty to be the focal points who shared nine goals between them.</p> <p>Across the way later that night, Richmond shocked the AFL world yet again by recording their second unlikely win of the season when they knocked off the Gold Coast Suns (at Marvel Stadium of all places just to really put their old coach Dimma in a great mood). Their youngsters displayed enthusiasm but this was driven off the back of their established stars.</p> <p>They will need them to fire again off a five-day-break here if they want to cause another boilover, and, despite the joy that the Dees fans felt at the sight of winning last week, send it further into disarray with another big performance under the bright MCG lights.</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Dees vs Tigers predictions and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Richmond vs Melbourne Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Melbourne Predicted Team&nbsp;</h3> <p>B: Jake Bowey, Tom McDonald, Xavier Lindsay</p> <p>HB: Blake Howes, Daniel Turner, Trent Rivers</p> <p>C: Caleb Windsor, Jack Viney, Ed Langdon</p> <p>HF: Tom Sparrow, Tom Fullarton, Kysaiah Pickett&nbsp;</p> <p>F: Koltyn Tholstrup, Harrison Petty, Charlie Spargo</p> <p>Foll: Max Gawn, Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca</p> <p>Int: Harvey Langford, Judd McVee, Jake Melksham, Christian Salem, Harry Sharp</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Richmond Predicted Team</h3> <p>B: Nick Vlastuin, Ben Miller, Nathan Broad</p> <p>HB: Jayden Short, Luke Trainor, Sam Banks</p> <p>C: Hugo Ralphsmith, Thomson Dow, Tom Brown</p> <p>HF: Sam Lalor, Seth Campbell, Steely Green</p> <p>F: Jonty Faull, Tom Lynch, Maurice Rioli</p> <p>Foll: Toby Nankervis, Jacob Hopper, Tim Taranto</p> <p>Int: Kamdyn McIntosh, Jack Ross, Tyler Sonsie, Jacob Bauer, Jacob Blight</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Richmond vs Melbourne Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>A battle between 16th and 17th on the ladder usually isn’t cause for too much excitement but given the occasion, this match feels elevated and special.</p> <p>The Dees have made all the running in this fixture as of late, winning the past five meetings between the sides. The run of wins starting in their premiership year. How desperately they would like to use last week as a springboard to recapture that form.</p> <p>The Dees handballed their way to victory on Saturday. While they still finished with more kicks than handballs, they looked for the extra handball to get out of trouble, rather than just a kick in hope to nowhere.&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s set to be a battle of the bulls in the middle of the ground in this one. Petracca, Oliver &amp; Viney against the likes of Taranto, Hopper and McIntosh likely being sent to quell one of the Dees' big guns. Or could he go to Pickett after he went berserk last week and looked like the Dees spark in the front half?</p> <p>The Dees could be boosted by the return of the smooth moving and elite kicking Judd McVee after his successful return in the VFL on the weekend. The Tigers will need to replace two talls with Samson Ryan hurting himself in the win over the Suns and with Noah Balta’s new restrictions on night games.</p> <p>The Dees still aren't entirely out of their jam. I still expect them to win, but if we’ve seen one thing from the Tigers so far this year, the bright lights and big stage doesn’t overawe these cubs.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Melbourne.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>Tigers half-forward Seth Campbell has put together a strong start to the season. In just the first six games, Campbell has already bettered his goal tally from last year. A year where he didn’t miss a game.</p> <p>Averaging 1.8 goals a game, He’s become one of the Tigers main targets inside 50, and could get the Tigers rolling early.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Seth Campbell.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>Captain Max was at his brilliant best in the last quarter against the Dockers, as he led his Dees across the line.</p> <p>He’s set for a mouth-watering duel with Toby Nankervis in the ruck, but His return to his best form + seeing the chance of a big win in the offing, should have him primed again for a big one.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> Max Gawn (25+ disposals).</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Richmond vs Melbourne Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Thursday, April 24, 2025.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>First Bounce:</strong> 7:30pm AEST.</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> MCG, Melbourne.</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Channel 7, Fox Footy/Kayo Sports.</p>