<p>Sunday footy sees us back at the MCG with Richmond playing host to North Melbourne.</p> <p>It’s the first of just two trips across town to the home of football for the Kangaroos this year. They would dearly love to make the most of the limited opportunities.</p> <p>Speaking of opportunities, my god they have fluffed some in recent weeks to get some much-needed wins and prove to us all that they are trending in the right direction.&nbsp;</p> <p>They weren’t good enough to be composed when it mattered against Port Adelaide - fair enough, they’ve never won at Adelaide Oval and probably won't for a while, and then they threw away a chance to beat Essendon which was right there for them.</p> <p>And, possibly the biggest chance of all last week, had chances to cause one of the upsets of the season and defeat the reigning premiers, Brisbane, down in Tassie but couldn’t manage to do that either. Only mustering a draw.</p> <p>It means they come into this game at the MCG against Richmond with so much on the line. On the surface, it’s a game that they should be winning. But this Richmond team is proving far from pushovers and is proving to have some bite.</p> <p>The Tigers' win over the Eagles last week, their third of the year in a season that continues to defy expectations (remember how some people thought they wouldn’t win a game all year) will be remembered for the tackle of the year/decade/eternity by youngster Tom Brown.&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s a result that means if they get over the line against the Roos this week, they probably avoid the wooden spoon! Which is something no one really thought was possible at the start of the year given the state of their list.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Tigers should regain experienced defender Jayden Short after he was a late out against the Eagles with knee soreness, while fellow defender Nathan Broad should be right to go after suffering a visibly distressing finger dislocation during the game.</p> <p>This game also has ramifications on it come the end of the year which should give extra motivation to the Roos after their contentious decision to trade away their first-round pick in this year's draft to the Tigers.</p> <p>The Roos have options with senior players in Logue, Fisher, and Tucker all among the best performers at the lower level, and might be a chance to come in to get a much-needed result. But it remains to be seen if Clarko will bring them in, and stick with the younger guys who are getting closer and closer to that breakthrough win.</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Tigers vs Roos prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Richmond vs North Melbourne Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Richmond Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Nathan Broad, Ben Miller, Nick Vlastuin</p> <p>HB: Jayden Short, Noah Balta, Tom Brown</p> <p>C: Sam Banks, Kamdyn McIntosh, Hugo Ralphsmith</p> <p>HF: Rhyan Mansell, Jonty Faull, Seth Campbell</p> <p>F: Steely Green, Tom Lynch, Sam Lalor</p> <p>Foll: Toby Nankervis, Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper</p> <p>Int: Luke Trainor, Thomson ow, Jack Ross, Tom Sims, Kane McAuliffe</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>North Melbourne Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Luke McDonald, Toby Pink, Aidan Corr</p> <p>HB: Caleb Daniel, Charlie Comben, Colby McKercher</p> <p>C: Finn O’Sullivan, Luke Davie-Uniacke, Jy Simpkin</p> <p>HF: Harry Sheezel, Nick Larkey, Finnbar Maley</p> <p>F: Dylan Stephens, Jack Darling, Cameron Zurhaar</p> <p>Foll: Tristan Xerri, Tom Powell, George Wardlaw</p> <p>Int: Riley Hardeman, Luke Parker, Zane Duursma, Jacob Konstanty, Bailey Scott</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Richmond vs North Melbourne Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>North Melbourne won the last game these two sides played last year at Marvel Stadium in what proved to be Dustin Martin’s last AFL game, but it’s the Tigers that hold sway in the head-to-head with five wins from the last eight meetings.</p> <p>Further stacking the deck against North, they haven’t won at the MCG since 2017. Yes, they hardly play there, but it’s significant enough to mention that there is only a small handful of players on North’s list that have won at the ground.</p> <p>It shapes to be a big day for a Tigers favourite as Kamdyn McIntosh brings up the 200-game milestone. The defensively minded midfielder has at times found himself fighting for a spot during the glory days of Richmond but broke through to become a dual premiership star. Now is a presence in the engine room, leading the next generation of Tigers.&nbsp;</p> <p>The ruck battle between one of the best ruckmen in the competition Tristan Xerri and the workhorse Toby Nankervis is a must-watch element of this game.&nbsp;</p> <p>Put simply, this game is a must-win for North Melbourne. Otherwise, serious questions will be asked about where they are going as a club.&nbsp;</p> <p>We’re backing them to get it done but with very little confidence.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/richmond-v-north-melbourne-9186710">North Melbourne</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>Cam Zurhaar bungled the chance to be the hero North needed last week when he missed the chance to put his side ahead with just minutes remaining against the Lions.</p> <p>He’s kicked multiple goals over the past three weeks and has bags of six and four goals against the Tigers in recent matches. He’ll be looking to start brightly here. We’re picking him to hit the board first.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/richmond-v-north-melbourne-9186710">Cameron Zurhaar</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>Luke Davies-Uniacke is the Roos’ main man. Ever since he committed his long-term future to the club, he’s averaged 27.2 disposals per game, but his output has been below his usual high standards.</p> <p>That average though against the Tigers, averaging 30 possessions from his last five meetings against them. And in a game that is a must-win for North, we think he’ll look to go massive and get his team over the line.</p> <p><strong>Betting Tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/richmond-v-north-melbourne-9186710">Luke Davies-Unacke 30+ disposals&nbsp;</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Richmond Tigers vs North Melbourne Kangaroos Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date: </strong>Sunday, May 18th</p> <p><strong>First Bounce:</strong> 1:20 PM, AEST</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>MCG, Melbourne</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports</p>