AFL Round One Predictions: Struggling Tigers Face Winless Season Threat as Blues Eye MCG Domination

Richmond supporters are bracing themselves for yet another challenging AFL season, particularly in light of Matthew Lloyd’s dire predictions.

The once-mighty club, which secured three premierships from 2017 to 2020, now finds itself a mere shadow of its previous glory following the departure of numerous seasoned players.

Last year, the Tigers managed only two wins under new coach Adam Yze, ultimately finishing with the wooden spoon.

Their campaign for 2025 kicks off on Thursday night at the MCG, but not one of Nine’s tipsters believes the Tigers will emerge victorious against Carlton.

This comes even though the Blues will be without star forward Charlie Curnow, while promising young talent Elijah Hollands is currently on personal leave.

Looking beyond Thursday’s clash, Lloyd does not foresee Richmond managing to overcome any other team this season.

“Richmond lost more than 1000 games of experience last year, with Dustin Martin being the most notable absence,” Lloyd shared during an appearance on Nine’s Today.

“They’ve also had three or four key players leave to join other clubs.

“They are now a very youthful squad, with three 19-year-olds making their debuts tonight, highlighting their current predicament.

“Carlton should be significantly stronger. They are aiming for a top-four finish, and most observers believe Richmond may end up again as wooden spooners, finishing last.

“The question on many lips is whether Richmond will win any games this year. That speaks volumes about their youth this season.”

The tipping panel has also unanimously predicted a win for Hawthorn against Essendon on Friday night, following the Hawks’ impressive victory over Sydney in the Opening Round.

This Saturday, the Swans will take on Brisbane in a grand final rematch at the SCG, with only two of the seven tipsters believing Sydney can claim victory.

Scroll down for the current leaderboard and Round 1 insights from all of Nine’s expert tipsters!

Rory Sloane: Carlton, Hawthorn, Fremantle, Brisbane, Bulldogs, Collingwood, Adelaide, Melbourne, Gold Coast

Jimmy Bartel: Carlton, Hawthorn, Geelong, Brisbane, Bulldogs, Collingwood, Adelaide, GWS, Gold Coast

Tom Morris: Carlton, Hawthorn, Geelong, Sydney, Bulldogs, Collingwood, Adelaide, GWS, Gold Coast

Eddie McGuire: Carlton, Hawthorn, Fremantle, Brisbane, Collingwood, Western Bulldogs, Adelaide, GWS, Gold Coast

Tony Jones: Carlton, Hawthorn, Geelong, Brisbane, Collingwood, Bulldogs, Adelaide, GWS, West Coast

Clint Stanaway: Carlton, Hawthorn, Geelong, Sydney, Bulldogs, Collingwood, Adelaide, Melbourne, Gold Coast

Nat Yoannidis: Carlton, Hawthorn, Geelong, Brisbane, North Melbourne, Collingwood, Adelaide, GWS, West Coast