AFL
  • Home
  • AFL

Richmond vs Hawthorn Tips - Hot Hawks to Hand Richmond Another Heavy Defeat

adam-cusworth
Editor
Last updated: Tue 14 Jul 2026 02:30
Hawthorn is set to continue its strong run as they face a struggling Richmond team in AFL Round 19. Richmond's young squad has quality moments but can't sustain them against top sides. Hawthorn's fast play and scoring power present a tough challenge for Richmond's defense. Jack Gunston's form and the Hawks' midfield depth could prove decisive, with predictions of a comfortable Hawthorn win and Gunston starring. Richmond will rely on Taranto and Nankervis to keep them competitive early, but Hawthorn is tipped to cover the 51.5-point line comfortably.
Adam Cusworth 3 hours ago
Share this article
Or copy link
  • Hawthorn expected to easily cover 51.5-point line vs. Richmond
  • Gunston tipped for another big goal haul
  • Richmond struggles against top teams despite glimpses of promise
Richmond Hawthorn MCG
Hawthorn welcome back Josh Weddle into the lineup (Getty Images)

Richmond vs Hawthorn Preview


Hawthorn look set to pile more misery on Richmond when the two sides meet, with the Hawks appearing far too polished across every line. 

A hefty 51.5-point line has been set and, despite its size, it is difficult to make a strong case against the in-form Hawks covering it.

Richmond's young list continues to show patches of promise, but the gap between its best and worst football remains significant. Against the competition's better sides, those lapses are proving costly, and Hawthorn are perfectly equipped to punish them. The Hawks move the ball with speed, force turnovers high up the ground and have multiple avenues to goal, making them a nightmare matchup for a Richmond defence that has struggled to contain quality attacks.

The Tigers will need Tim Taranto and Toby Nankervis to at least break even around the contest if they are to remain competitive early, but Hawthorn's midfield depth should eventually take control. Jai Newcombe, Connor Macdonald, Josh Ward and Lloyd Meek have been driving the Hawks in recent weeks, while their ability to generate scores from intercepts could prove the defining feature of this contest.

Inside forward 50, Jack Gunston is in outstanding touch and shapes as the biggest threat to Richmond's defence in the Round 19 match. His leading patterns, experience and finishing ability make him an ideal candidate to cash in if Hawthorn dominate territory as expected. Richmond have also struggled to contain key forwards in recent weeks, adding further confidence to another big afternoon from the veteran.

Expect Richmond to compete around stoppages early through Taranto and Nankervis, but once Hawthorn's transition game gets rolling, the scoreboard could quickly open up. The Hawks should comfortably cover the 51.5-point line, Jack Gunston can continue his progression since returning from injury with 4+ goals, while Tim Taranto looks well placed to collect another 25-plus disposals despite the likely defeat.

  • Richmond's three matches against top-four sides in 2026 have resulted in losses by an average of 70 points.
  • Hawthorn were 64-point winners over Carlton last weekend.
  • Jack Gunston has kicked eight goals in his past two matches against Richmond.
  • Tim Taranto has recorded 25+ disposals in his past three matches.

Head to Head


Hawthorn have won the past three meetings between the two sides by 48 points or more. They were 65-point winners in the most recent clash, which came in Round 8 last season.

Standout player performances in the recent head-to-heads have come from;

  • Jai Newcombe (Hawks) – 25+ disposals in his past five matches against the Tigers, reaching 30+ in three of his past four.
  • Tim Taranto (Tigers) – 25+ disposals in his past two matches against Hawthorn.
  • Mitch Lewis (Hawks) – Nine goals in his past three appearances against the Tigers.
  • Jack Gunston (Hawks) – Eight goals in his past two matches against the Tigers.

Richmond Form Analysis


Richmond have won just two matches this season and sit in 17th spot on the ladder after six consecutive losses. Their only victories have come against West Coast and Essendon, while they pushed Carlton to within two points a fortnight ago before falling by 46 points to Melbourne last weekend.

The Tigers have been competitive in patches over recent weeks but continue to struggle to sustain their intensity and execution across four quarters against stronger opposition. They matched Melbourne in several areas around stoppage before the Demons' class eventually prevailed, highlighting the gap that still exists between Richmond and the competition's contenders.

Tim Taranto remains Richmond's most reliable midfielder and finished with 26 disposals and a goal against Melbourne. He has now recorded 25 or more disposals in his past three matches while kicking five goals across that period. Toby Nankervis has also made a strong impact since returning from injury, booting two goals while registering eight clearances and 24 hit-outs against Max Gawn last week.

Richmond Team News


Richmond escaped last week's loss to Melbourne without any fresh injuries. Jack Ross remains unavailable as he continues through the concussion protocols after suffering his second concussion of the season against Carlton in Round 17. Sam Banks finished last week's match despite a knee knock and is expected to be available.

The Tigers are otherwise expected to take a similar squad into this week's clash, with Tom Lynch continuing to build fitness after his recent return from injury.

Hawthorn Form Analysis


Hawthorn hold an 11-5-1 record and sit in 3rd position on the ladder after responding emphatically to their loss against Melbourne with a dominant 64-point victory over Carlton. The Hawks snapped the Blues' seven-game winning streak and underlined why they remain one of the competition's genuine premiership contenders.

Their intercept game was a major weapon, outscoring Carlton by 49 points from turnovers, including seven goals generated from intercepts in the forward half. That style of play should again trouble Richmond, who have struggled to maintain possession and defend transition against quality opponents.

Jack Ginnivan starred with three goals and 25 disposals, while Jack Gunston continued his excellent form with another three-goal performance. Gunston has now kicked 14 goals across his past four matches. Connor Macdonald gathered 31 disposals, Jai Newcombe has recorded 25 or more disposals in five of his past six outings, while Ginnivan has reached 20+ disposals in five of his past six games. Hawthorn have also enjoyed success at the MCG, compiling a 5-2-1 win-loss-draw record in 2026.

Hawthorn Team News


Hawthorn have sent Karl Amon for surgery in a bid to have the dashing defender fit for finals. Ned Reeves remains sidelined with a knee injury, allowing Lloyd Meek to continue carrying the ruck responsibilities, while the Hawks could regain several players from the injury list over the coming weeks, including Nick Watson and Josh Battle. Josh Weddle is set to return from suspension. 

Verdict

Hawks to cover with Gunston a chance to kick a bag, Taranto to continue solid form for Tigers
Best Bet1: Hawthorn -50.5 Line @7/8 at Hollywood bets - 1 Unit
Hawthorn -50.5
Line
@7/8 - 1 Unit
£30 Free Bet
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Claim £30 free bet & 20 Free Spins. Use the promo code NEWBONUS. New Hollywoodbets account holders. 18 years or older. United Kingdom residents only. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Hollywood bets

Top Betting Sites

special-offer-1Betting offers

Upcoming Events

19 Jul 2026

Richmond Tigers v Hawthorn Hawks

days

hours

min

Add to Calendar
Hear more from Freetips.com