Richmond Tigers vs North Melbourne Kangaroos Tips - Kangaroos to finally chalk up a win after series of near misses

Adam Cusworth

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Last updated: 16 May 2025

Adam Cusworth 16 May 2025

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North Melbourne favored to win against Richmond, despite only one win.
Key players: Davies-Uniacke and Zurhaar crucial for North's strategy.
Richmond shows resilience but struggles with disposals and clearances.

Expired

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 19: Jy Simpkin of the Kangaroos is tackled by Toby Nankervis of the Tigers (R) and Noah Balta of the Tigers during the round 23 AFL match between Richmond Tigers and North Melbourne Kangaroos at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on August 19, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Richmond Tigers vs North Melbourne Kangaroos Preview

Richmond Tigers vs North Melbourne Kangaroos Preview
Head to Head
Richmond Tigers Form Analysis
Richmond Tigers Team News
Richmond Tigers Team List
North Melbourne Kangaroos Form Analysis
North Melbourne Kangaroos Team News
North Melbourne Kangaroos Team List

North Melbourne will be too strong for a Richmond outfit that have impressed this season with three wins.

The Kangaroos have won just once but head in as favourites and come off a thrilling draw against last year’s premiers, Brisbane, to close out Round 9.

The Tigers headed into 2025 with low expectations after a big list cull last year but have surprised many with their competitive performances. They knocked over struggling West Coast last weekend by two points.

The battle in the middle of the ground shapes as an interesting one. North can get on top in the clearance battle and provide opportunities for the likes of Nick Larkey and Cam Zurhaar, while their improved defence can restrict Richmond’s scoring options.

Take North Melbourne in the head to head betting with Luke Davies-Uniacke to back up his good form from last week, while Cam Zurhaar can feature amongst the goals.

North Melbourne took out the most recent encounter between the two sides.
Luke Davies-Uniacke picked up 32 disposals in Round 9.
Cam Zurhaar has booted 11 goals from his past three matches against the Tigers.
The Kangaroos rank 4th for clearances in 2025, Richmond are 17th.

Head to Head

North Melbourne took out the most recent encounter between the two sides by 13 points at Marvel Stadium in Round 21 last year. Nick Larkey booted five goals, while Luke Davies-Uniacke booted three and had 33 disposals.

Richmond have won the past two between the two sides at the MCG. Davies-Uniacke has averaged 33 disposals in his past three matches against Richmond. Jy Simpkin has averaged 27. Cam Zurhaar has booted 11 goals from his past three matches against the Tigers.

Richmond Tigers Form Analysis

Richmond have won three of their first nine matches. They have come against Carlton, Gold Coast and West Coast. In the win last weekend, Sam Banks produced a career-best with 28 disposals, while Tim Taranto had 27. Taranto is averaging 26 this season, alongside Jacob Hopper (also 26).

The Tigers have been well held across the season in a number of measures and rank 18th for inside 50s, 17th for points per game, clearances and disposals.

Tom Lynch has had limited supply and has 11 goals from eight matches. He booted two majors last weekend alongside Seth Campbell, who has booted 14 from eight in 2025.

Richmond Tigers Team News

Jayden Short was a late withdrawal from the match against West Coast and will be monitored at training. A number of the Tigers best 22 remain on the injury list, including Dion Prestia and Josh Gibcus.

Richmond Tigers Team List

B: B.Miller, N.Balta, N.Vlastuin

HB: S.Banks, T.Brown, N.Broad

C: K.McIntosh, S.Lalor, H.Ralphsmith

HF: J.Ross, S.Campbell, R.Mansell

F: S.Green, T.Lynch, J.Faull

FOLL: T.Nankervis - C, T.Taranto, J.Hopper

I/C (FROM): L.Trainor, J.Short, K.McAuliffe, T.Sims, J.Trezise, J.Alger, T.Dow

In: J.Short, C.Gray, J.Alger

Out: -

North Melbourne Kangaroos Form Analysis

North Melbourne’s have just one win and a draw from nine matches so far but have been very competitive in the last three weeks, going down narrowly to Essendon and Port Adelaide on he road, before last week’s draw against Brisbane.

After conceding big scores in the first six rounds of the season, the Kangaroos have tightened up in defence and have had just 65 and 71 kicked against them in the past couple of rounds.

Across the course of the year, they rank 4th for clearances. Luke Davies Uniacke had five clearances against the Lions and 32 disposals. He is averaging just under 25 disposals this season, while Harry Sheezel is averaging a tick under 30. Nick Larkey has booted 21 goals from his nine matches in 2025.

North Melbourne Kangaroos Team News

Paul Curtis still has one match to serve from his suspension. The Kangaroos are unlikely to make too many changes. Will Phillips played well in the VFL last weekend and will be considered.