<p>Richmond taking on Essendon in a blockbuster fixture at the MCG is normally a big occasion for two big Victorian rival powerhouse clubs. However, for this particular fixture… ‘The Carnage Cup’ appears to be the most appropriate label.</p> <p>What a brutal season it has been for both of these clubs. Not only in the wins and losses columns but notably on the injury front.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Tigers knew they were a long shot to come away from the Cattery last week with a win over Geelong, but unfortunately, they left with a bevy of season-ending injuries. Everyone’s heart sank when number one pick Sam Lalor limped off the ground with a hamstring injury just minutes into his comeback game.</p> <p>There was a point in the first quarter where the Tigers were down to just one rotation… the writing was on the wall early that it was going to be a rough day. Not Telstra Dome 2007 rough, but rough nonetheless.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Dons’ season has been riddled with injuries from the start. Just when it seemed like they were going to get a couple of key position players back after the bye, they all broke down again during a mid-bye training session. This has caused serious alarm bells to ring and a strength-and-conditioning review to be ordered at Tullamarine.&nbsp;</p> <p>They showed plenty of fight last week against the Suns for two and a half quarters and briefly threatened a boilover, before they ran out of steam and were overpowered by a Suns team with a chip on its shoulder.&nbsp;</p> <p>So, both sides would have had this game circled on their calendar for a while because it’s a chance for both struggling clubs to record a much-needed win. Richmond is coming in off a seven-game losing streak, and Essendon has lost five consecutive games.&nbsp;</p> <p>While it might not have the same big game atmosphere as past matchups between these rivals, it’s still a crucial encounter for both clubs to build some belief in their future direction.</p> <p>On team selection, the Bombers are set to re-include running defender Mason Redman but will lose midfielder Jye Caldwell to an ankle injury, likely to sideline him for the rest of the season. This opens the door for young midfielder Elijah Tsatas to get an extended run and prove if he’s top-level material at Essendon, or if he should seek a fresh start elsewhere.</p> <p>Veteran midfielder Dylan Shiel remains an option if the Bombers opt for a senior replacement. Newly re-signed defender Saad El-Hawli returned strongly in the VFL after a hamstring injury and could also be considered.&nbsp;</p> <p>At Richmond, they will be without Lalor for the rest of the season, but the upcoming debut of promising youngster Taj Hotton will lessen the blow. After arriving at the club with an ACL injury and showing three impressive weeks in the VFL upon return, he looks set to debut in the AFL and leave a mark at the top level.&nbsp;</p> <p>Veteran halfback Jayden Short also looks set to come back after a precautionary runaround in the VFL last week.&nbsp;</p> <p>Winger Hugo Ralphsmith and youngster Jasper Alger were other injury casualties from the trip to Geelong and will need replacements. Noah Balta will also need to be omitted due to his curfew. His absence could open the door for another ACL returnee, Tylar Young.</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Tigers vs Dons prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Richmond vs Essendon Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Richmond Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Nathan Broad, Tylar Young, Nick Valstuin</p> <p>HB: Sam Banks, Ben Miller, Tom Brown</p> <p>C: Luke Trainor, Dion Prestia, James Trezise</p> <p>HF: Jack Ross, Jonty Faull, Seth Campbell</p> <p>F: Rhyan Mansell, Tom Sims, Maurice Rioli</p> <p>Foll: Toby Nankervis, Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper</p> <p>Int: Jacob Blight, Tyler Sonsie, Jayden Short, Steely Green, Kaleb Smith</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Essendon Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Andy McGrath, Jayden Laverde, Archie Roberts</p> <p>HB: Jaxon Prior, Jordan Ridley, Mason Redman</p> <p>C: Xavier Duursma, Zach Merrett, Angus Clarke</p> <p>HF: Will Setterfield, Nate Caddy, Nic Martin</p> <p>F: Archer May, Peter Wright, Isaac Kako</p> <p>Foll: Todd Goldstein, Sam Durham, Elijah Tsatas</p> <p>Int: Ben Hobbs, Archie Perkins, Zak Johnson, Lachie Blakiston, Jade Gresham</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Richmond vs Essendon Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Essendon holds sway in the recent head-to-head, winning the past three matches, including the clash earlier this year. The Tigers, who were showing plenty of fight in the first half of the season, pushed the Dons for the first three quarters before Essendon, led by Zach Merrett and Nic Martin, secured the win.</p> <p>With both sides down on key personnel in the forward line, there aren't many grand expectations that this will be a high-scoring thriller. As such, our eyes are diverted to the middle of the ground and the battle of the two midfield units that will drive the win.&nbsp;</p> <p>We’re leaning towards Essendon, mainly because of the slightly better spread of experienced players across the ground compared to the Tigers. But the Tigers will know that this might be their last chance of a win for the rest of the year&nbsp; (Essendon gets to play Carlton again) and will be up for it.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/richmond-v-essendon-9367058">Bombers</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>He was named as the starting sub last week, but Maurice Rioli Jr. found himself on the ground in the first rotation due to injury.</p> <p>When he got there, he made an early impression with an early goal (Richmond's first for a good while in that game) in what was a good showing for the son of a gun.&nbsp;</p> <p>He’s our tip for the first goal this week.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/richmond-v-essendon-9367058">Maurice Rioli Jr</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s quite amazing, isn’t it, Bomber fans… when you put your captain and best midfielder Zach Merrett back into the middle, the place where he’s been named All-Australian and won a handful of best and fairests in, he’s going to go pretty well and find the footy.</p> <p>Bouncing back with a strong 40-possession game last week, going back on the ball full-time, we’re backing him to go again with another big, big day.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/richmond-v-essendon-9367058">Zach Merrett 30+ disposals</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Richmond Tigers vs Essendon Bombers Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Saturday, July 12, 2025</p> <p><strong>First Bounce: </strong>7:35pm AEST</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> MCG, Melbourne&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>How to watch: </strong>Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports</p>