Sunday afternoon at the MCG and this one is honestly going to be a slog to watch for fans.

It’s 16th vs last placed on the ladder, with just a couple of rounds to go; there’s nothing but pride on the line and Richmond at least have very little to be proud of this season in terms of performances

Although, Adam Yze’s men do have a chance to dodge a second wooden spoon in as many years with a win here.

While the Tigers may be behind Essendon on percentage, realistically the Bombers are the more deserving of a wooden spoon in 2026

But alas, while the Tigers have been plagued by injuries, no one writes that in the history books and the fact is they’ve only won two matches all season.

The Tigers are wooden spoon favourites after only picking up two wins all season.

For West Coast, there are at least some green shoots and a few solid wins this year – after a trainwreck of a 2025 campaign.

Harley Reid has been exceptional, mid-season draftee Marcus Herbert has been quality, Jake Waterman, Jobe Shanhan and others have shown much promise. This West Coast group has young players worth getting excited about.

Will the young shoots perform and put Richmond to the spoon? Or will there be the rare sight of celebration in Tigerland?

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Richmond Tigers vs West Coast Eagles Round 21 prediction and preview below.

Richmond Tigers vs West Coast Eagles Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Draft pick positions are the real stakes here, and Richmond are running short on reasons for optimism.

The Tigers were competitive for a half against the Bulldogs before falling away badly. Their midfield has been comprehensively beaten most weeks in 2026 and Sunday won't offer an obvious remedy.

Without genuine contributors in the engine room, they've been giving opposition sides a head start before the first bounce has been taken.

West Coast are building something worth watching. Jobe Shanahan has the tools to be a standout forward.

Willem Duursma is developing into a quality midfielder. Marcus Herbert might be the best mid-season draftee in years and Harley Reid is already operating at a level that very few players his age have reached.

Twelve clearances against Fremantle in a losing effort is not a normal stat line. Richmond's midfield will find him an uncomfortable presence.

The Eagles should have enough class to control this one from the second quarter onward.

Head-to-head prediction: West Coast Eagles by 21 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Jake Waterman has been one of West Coast's most consistent forwards all season and leads hard from the first bounce.

In a match where the Eagles are expected to attack early as they try to seize control, he's the most likely player to put the first one through.

Betting tip: Jake Waterman first goal scorer.

Most Disposals Prediction

30 disposals and 12 clearances in a loss against the best team in the comp. 

Harley Reid doesn't take afternoons off. Against a Richmond midfield that's been outworked consistently through the midfield all season, the conditions are set for him to post a number people are talking about for the rest of the week.

Betting tip: Harley Reid most disposals.

AFL Same Game Multi Tips

Betting tip: West Coast 1-39 / Harley Reid Anytime Goal Scorer / Harley Reid 30+ Disposals / Dion Prestia 25+ Disposals.

Odds are subject to change. *

Richmond Tigers vs West Coast Eagles Predicted Teams

Richmond Tigers Predicted Team List

FB: Luke Trainor, Kye Annand, Nathan Broad

HB: Sam Banks, Tom Brown, Nick Vlastuin

C: Tyler Sonsie, Tim Taranto, Patrick Retschko

HF: Rhyan Mansell, Dion Prestia, Seth Campbell

FF: Mykelti Lefau, Tom Lynch, Taj Hotton

FOLL: Toby Nankervis, Jack Ross, Sam Lalor

I/C: Jayden Short, Sam Cumming, Hugo Ralphsmith, Sam Grljusich, Zane Peucker

West Coast Eagles Predicted Team List

FB: Brandon Starcevich, Rhett Bazzo, Liam Duggan

HB: Sandy Brock, Tylar Young, Marcus Herbert

C: Bo Allan, Elliot Yeo, Willem Duursma

HF: Tom Cole, Jobe Shanahan, Tim Kelly

FF: Hamish Davis, Jake Waterman, Milan Murdoch

FOLL: Bailey J. Williams, Harley Reid, Brady Hough

I/C: Tom McCarthy, Ryan Maric, Harvey Johnston, Jack Williams, Oliver Francou

Richmond Tigers vs West Coast Eagles Match Details

Date: Sunday, August 2, 2026.

First Bounce: 1:10pm AEST

Location: MCG, Melbourne

How to Watch: Channel 7 / Fox Footy / Kayo Sports