<p>West Coast host Richmond at Optus Stadium in the spoonbowl that isn’t actually a spoonbowl.</p> <p>Yes, it’s 17th vs 18th on the AFL ladder, but the gap between 17th and 18th this year is large and widening. Three wins is a significant gap between last and second last.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Eagles, to their credit, fought hard away against the Power at Adelaide Oval. They led for 88 minutes of the game, including into the last quarter, and threatened to do something remarkable.&nbsp;</p> <p>However, the young team still doesn’t know how to win, and conceded five goals in the last quarter, only to trail by one, ultimately falling by 26 points.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Tigers tasted victory last week after breaking a seven-match losing streak over an injury-ravaged Essendon at the G. It might have been called the worst game ever, but don’t tell that to anyone at Tigerland, especially after they were told and predicted not to win a single game this year.&nbsp;</p> <p>They now have four wins and are pushing for a fifth! Along with their quest for more victories, the Tigers introduced their latest young talent on Saturday night, with Taj Hotton making his senior debut. Like most of the young Tigers before him, he made a strong impression!&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s a chance for a team that has struggled this year to secure a win. You could argue that the Tigers' season has already been successful in their first year of rebuilding, but the Eagles desperately need to seize this opportunity for the club, the fans, and new coach Andrew McQualter.&nbsp;</p> <p>If they can’t secure the win, they will become the first team since GWS 2013, their second season in the competition, to likely go through a home and away season with only one victory.&nbsp;</p> <p>On the selection front, the Eagles might recall veteran midfielder Tim Kelly, who dropped himself to the WAFL last week to regain form. Premiership forward Liam Ryan was a late withdrawal against the Power due to soreness and will be assessed. Youngsters Sandy Brock and Bo Allan showcased their case in the WAFL, as did experienced winger Jayden Hunt.</p> <p>At the Tigers, first-year player Jasper Alger has been cleared of major ankle damage and is a test for this week. Noah Balta remains unavailable due to his curfew conditions and won’t be considered. Tyler Sonsie might find himself out of the team after registering just four effective kicks and being subbed out halfway through the third quarter after just 59% game time.&nbsp;</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Eagles vs Tigers prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>West Coast vs Richmond Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>West Coast Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Tom Cole, Harry Edwards, Liam Duggan</p> <p>HB: Reuben Ginbey, Rhett Bazzo, Liam Baker</p> <p>C: Tom McCarthy, Tim Kelly, Tyrell Dewar</p> <p>HF: Clay Hall, Jobe Shanahan, Jamie Cripps</p> <p>F: Liam Ryan, Bailey Williams, Matt Owies</p> <p>Foll: Matt Flynn, Elijah Hewett, Harley Reid</p> <p>Int: Brady Hough, Jack Williams, Ryan Maric, Tyler Brockman, Malakai Champion</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Richmond Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Nick Valustin, Ben Miller, Jayden Short</p> <p>HB: Sam Banks, Nathan Broad, Tom Brown</p> <p>C: Kamdyn McIntosh, Dion Prestia, Luke Trainor</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 Koschitzke, Taj Hotton, Tylar Young, James Trezise, Steely Green&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>West Coast vs Richmond Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>The Tigers maintained their stronghold over the Eagles the last time they met earlier this year at the MCG, making it four wins from the last five head-to-head matches.</p> <p>While they remain rooted to the bottom of the AFL ladder, the Eagles have shown signs of improvement over the past month and since the bye, improving their time and forward half and ball movement significantly.&nbsp;</p> <p>For the Tigers to win, it will be all about that magical number 80 again. In all their wins, they have restricted their opposition to under 80 points, and they have won the game. Now with Tylar Young back in the team after an ACL layoff – and a mighty impressive return game, they will give themselves every chance!</p> <p>This one will come down to both teams' experienced players leading the way. It’s a coin flip, but we’re leaning with the Tigers.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/west-coast-eagles-v-richmond-9386466">Tigers</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>The Eagles have found a beauty in Jobe Shanahan.</p> <p>The lightly framed goalkicker has found the big sticks in each of his first three games in Blue and Gold and is going to be a leader of the Eagles forward line for a long time.&nbsp;</p> <p>We’re backing him for the first goal here.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/west-coast-eagles-v-richmond-9386466">Jobe Shanahan</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>Tim Taranto has taken the role of senior midfielder in his stride this season and has become a leader in his early years at Tigerland.</p> <p>He’s having a super year, averaging 25.8 disposals, 5.4 clearances per game, and five tackles, and was best-on-ground in last week's largely forgettable game.&nbsp;</p> <p>We’re backing him here for another big one.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/west-coast-eagles-v-richmond-9386466">Tim Taranto 30+ disposals&nbsp;</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>West Coast Eagles vs Richmond Tigers Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Saturday, July 19, 2025</p> <p><strong>First Bounce: </strong>8:10pm AEST</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> Optus Stadium, Perth</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Fox Footy/Kayo Sports&nbsp;</p>