Round 17 of the AFL features a number of tight matches over the weekend with bookmakers finding it difficult to find a betting favourite in the Magpies v Hawks match-up on Saturday.
Friday
Geelong v Essendon
Match Odds Betting – Geelong 1.94 v Essendon 1.96. The Bombers are nearing a full team with the expected return of Stewart Crameri and Angus Monfries to the side for the Friday night game. The duo will make a big difference and Essendon look set to finish the second half regular season strongly.
Geelong will be looking for the win to consolidate their place in the top half of the ladder. This has been a year of transition for the Cats with alot of young players coming into the side but they remain capable of winning big games.
Verdict: Essendon to shade it @ 1.96
Saturday
Collingwood v Hawthorn
The match of the weekend takes place at the MCG on Saturday with 3rd playing 4th in the ladder. The loss of the leagues top scorer, Lance Franklin will hurt Hawthorn and have no real back-up to his goal scoring. Collingwood appear to be in better shape and have a better balance in their team thanks in no small measure to Scott Pendlebury.
Verdict: Collingwood @ 2.15
Adelaide v West Coast Eagles
The injury-hit West Coast Eagles head to Adelaide in what is sure to be a tough encounter for them. They’ve had a tough time winning away from Perth this season with losses coming to Essendon, Brisbane and Collingwood. If they want to win the flag this season then need to start winning these away games. Adelaide who sit second in the league standings have been in good form and welcome back Kurt Tippet.
Verdict: Adelaide -15.5 pts @ 1.95
Gold Coast v Brisbane Lions
This should be a good encounter between local rivals. The Lions will rely heavy on the scoring power of Jonathan Brown and Daniel Merrett which will be enough to give them a comfortable win.
Verdict: Brisbane Lions – 25.5pts @ 1.95
Melbourne v Port Adelaide
This game is being played at the TIO Stadium in Darwin making it a tough game to predict as who knows what the conditions will be like up there. Both sides blew leads last week so both have something to prove here. We’ll take the time getting the points and go with the Dees.
Verdict: Melbourne +7.5 pts @ 1.88
Western Bulldogs v Carlton
The Western Bulldogs can turn over the Carlton Blues who are missing a whole host of players – no Chris Judd, Andrew Walker, Aaron Joseph. Not sure if they have the squad to cope with such losses and are also without other important players like Wade and Simpson. The Bulldogs have struggled lately shipping some heavy losses but the sight of Carlton should make them rise to putting in a good performance.
Verdict: Bulldogs +13.5 pts @ 1.95
Sunday
Sydney v St Kilda
Table toppers Sydney play host to St Kilda in what should be a quality game of footy. The handicap here is 17.5 points which is a bit on the high side. St Kilda should keep this a close one
Verdict: St Kilda + 17.5 pts @ 2.00
Richmond v North Melbourne
Coming off contrasting fortunes last week – Will be interesting to see how Richmond respond after last week’s shock loss to Gold Coast in Cairns. They have come in for alot of criticism during the week. North Melbourne moved back into top eight with a 53 point hammering over fellow finals hopefuls Carlton. So one team is on a downward curve and another on an upward curve.
Verdict: North Melbourne -6.5 pts @ 2.01
Fremantle v West Sydney
No contest. Fremantle by a canter.
Verdict: Fremantle -85.5 pts @ 1.90
Note – All prices are available on PinnacleSports.com
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