<p>The curtain's about to fall on Richmond’s first proper rebuild season—and it’s been one full of promise, growth, and a few surprises.</p> <p>Five wins. That’s five more than some pundits thought they’d manage at the start of the year. While it was always clear they’d loaded up on young talent to build the foundation for Richmond’s next great side, this season has shown there's plenty to get excited about.</p> <p>That said, last week’s outing against North Melbourne would’ve stung. After a solid start, the Tigers faded out of a very winnable game. Still, there’ve been flashes throughout the year that give Tigers fans every reason to feel optimistic—and pretty pumped—for what’s to come.</p> <p>But before eyes fully turn to the future, there’s one more challenge: a second crack at Geelong. And this isn’t just any Geelong—it’s a Cats team that’s gone full stealth mode as they quietly gear up for yet another September run.</p> <p>Last week’s clash with Sydney in Sydney was tipped to be a real test. The Swans had just dismantled Brisbane at the Gabba, after all. But Geelong, being Geelong, just calmly took care of business—brushed them aside, really. And that was with zero scoreboard impact from Jeremy Cameron. Sure, that might’ve all but killed his hopes of hitting 100 goals for the season, but from a team perspective? That’s straight-up terrifying.</p> <p>Which brings us to Saturday at the MCG. Last time these two met, it was a smashing—and truthfully, it could’ve been even uglier for the young Tigers. So now the question is: do the Cats go full throttle and treat this as an early finals warm-up? Or do they keep it in cruise control, do just enough, and lock in that top-two finish without breaking a sweat?</p> <p>We’ll have to wait and see.&nbsp;</p> <p>On the selection front, the Tigers will be forced into at least one change, with Nick Vlastuin heading for surgery after fracturing his ankle on Sunday. Luke Trainor, who was a late withdrawal with hamstring tightness, is expected to be available. And this one shapes as a bit of a farewell—premiership winger Kamdyn McIntosh has been told he won’t be part of the club’s plans going forward.</p> <p>Geelong, on the other hand, are almost fully loaded. Just one name on the injury list, with veterans Cam Guthrie and Mitch Duncan both getting through VFL minutes last weekend. Ollie Henry also made his return and looked lively, along with Ted Clohesy and Jhye Clark—names that could be in the mix for senior selection.</p> <p>There will be one forced out, with tall forward Shannon Neale suspended. So… maybe that finally gives them no choice but to start kicking it to Jezza again?</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Tigers vs Cats prediction and preview below.</p> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p> <h2>Richmond vs Geelong Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Richmond Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Nathan Broad, Ben Miller, Jacob Koschitzke</p> <p>HB: Jayden Short, Tylar Young, Sam Banks</p> <p>C: Tyler Sonsie, Dion Prestia, James Trezise</p> <p>HF: Maurice Rioli, Noah Balta, Jack Ross</p> <p>F: Seth Campbell, Tom Lynch, Rhyan Mansell</p> <p>Foll: Toby Nankervis, Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper</p> <p>Int: Taj Hotton, Tom Brown, Kamdyn McIntosh, Harry Armstrong, Steely Green</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Geelong Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Tom Stewart, Sam De Koning, Connor O’Sullivan</p> <p>HB: Lawson Humphries, Jack Henry, Zach Guthrie</p> <p>C: Ollie Dempsey, Max Holmes, Mark Blicavs</p> <p>HF: Tyson Stengle, Patrick Dangerfield, Shaun Mannagh</p> <p>F: Brad Close, Jeremy Cameron, Jack Martin</p> <p>Foll: Rhys Stanley, Bailey Smith, Tom Atkins</p> <p>Int: Oisin Mullin, Mark O’Connor, Jack Bowes, Gryan Miers, Mitch Knevitt</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Richmond vs Geelong Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>Geelong has enjoyed a good run against the Tigers head-to-head since the defeat in the 2020 Grand Final. They’ve won five of the six games and look poised to make it six from seven here thanks purely to the gap in age and class.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Cats have the best overall profile in the competition and have had for some weeks now as they’ve built their runs into finals perfectly.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Tigers, while they haven’t been the worst team in the league this year (by a long way) are still quite a fair way off matching the Cats in all areas of the field.&nbsp;</p> <p>Geelong should do this comfortably.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/richmond-v-geelong-cats-9504816">Cats</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>With<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl-season-extras/to-kick-100-goals-in-the-2025-afl-season-8776241"> Jeremy Cameron’s quest for 100 goals in a season</a> almost officially dead in the water thanks to a goalless game last week (although he could go totally bananas here and put it back on the agenda), we’ve had to go looking elsewhere for some value.</p> <p>Jack Martin’s addition to the Geelong side has been a shrewd piece of business from a footy club that rarely makes a bad move.</p> <p>And, do you remember his first game against the Tigers on the MCG for his new club? Four goals in a quarter in a huge statement performance. His first game at the G against the Tigers for a new club here… will he do the same? Maybe! But we’re definitely picking him for the first goal.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/richmond-v-geelong-cats-9504816"> Jack Martin</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>While he may have missed a few too many games in the middle of the season with some niggling injuries, Bailey Smith is coming home with a wet sail in the race for the Brownlow Medal.&nbsp;</p> <p>He might ultimately fall short, but his form over the past five weeks has seen him average 31.4 touches. We’re on him again here to go really well and get a few more votes.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/richmond-v-geelong-cats-9504816">Bailey Smith 35+ disposals&nbsp;</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Richmond Tigers vs Geelong Cats Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date: </strong>Saturday, August 23, 2025</p> <p><strong>First Bounce:</strong> 4:15 PM, AEST</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> MCG, Melbourne</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports</p>