North Melbourne vs. Hawthorn
Etihad Stadium - Friday 17 June 7:50pm
This is a mouth-watering match-up between two sides that should feature prominently come finals time. Despite losing two of its past three matches, the Kangaroos ($3.30) remain on top of the table one game clear. Opposition sides have found a chink in Hawthorn’s ($1.33) armour this season but it looked like the Hawks of old last Friday night, albeit against a struggling opposition. The reigning premier are still a formidable force but I expect the Kangaroos to make a statement by winning this match in a fast-paced thriller, despite missing a couple of key players.
Best Bet - North Melbourne 1 – 39 ($4.10)
PROMO: Money back on head to head bets in North Melbourne v Hawthorn game if your team leads at 3/4 time but loses the match - up to $50. *Excludes NSW & SA Residents. T&Cs apply. Click here for more details.
Brisbane vs. West Coast
GABBA, Brisbane - Saturday 18 June 1:40pm
Home side Brisbane ($7.80) enter this match as massive outsiders after some horrible performances in recent weeks. But it is time for the Lions to step up and respond to the critics. They face a West Coast ($1.08) side that also have its critics and struggle away from home. While I think the Eagles will have too much talent to not win this match, it could be a closer contest than one may think.
Best Bet - Brisbane +44.5 ($1.94)
Western Bulldogs vs. Geelong
Etihad Stadium - Saturday 18 June 7:25pm
This is another fascinating game between two sides that play an exciting brand of football. The Bulldogs ($2.34) continue to prove everyone wrong with a number of gutsy performances over the past few weeks. It fought back from many tenuous positions last week to defeat Port Adelaide away from home with exciting small midfielder Caleb Daniel excellent. The Cats ($1.60) were back to its best last week against the Roos with the on-ball duo of Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood scary-good combining for 86 disposals. With ruckman Zac Smith also in solid form, the Dogs will need to produce a great defensive effort through the midfield if they are any chance to win.
Best Bet - Geelong 1 – 39 ($2.14)
Fremantle vs. Port Adelaide
Subiaco Oval - Saturday 18 June 4:35pm
Port Adelaide’s ($1.65) narrow lost last week against the Bulldogs will mean Ken Hinkley’s men will do anything for a win this week to stay in touch with the other sides vying for a top eight spot. The Dockers ($2.24) have hit some form and will certainly be no pushovers, especially at home, but their season is shot and may be due for a down week.
Best Bet - Port Adelaide 1 – 39 ($2.14)
Sydney vs. Melbourne
SCG - Sunday 19 June 1:10pm
The Swans ($1.27) were exposed last week against little brother GWS so expect them to come out breathing fire and brimstone on home turf this Sunday. You cannot completely rule out the Demons ($3.70), who were impressive last week against Collingwood on Queen’s Birthday, but it will be a tough ask on the smaller ground. Expect an improved effort from the Swans and a big game from Buddy Franklin to ensure his side wins comfortably.
Best Bet - Sydney 40+ ($3.00)
Essendon vs. Greater Western Sydney
Etihad Stadium - Sunday 19 June 4:40pm
It is hard to keep a straight face when coming up for reasons why Essendon ($12) are a chance to win this match. There is no doubting the Bombers are playing with heart, but the deficiency in talent is too hard to overcome. Greater Western Sydney ($1.01) are as confident as ever after a commanding win over Sydney last week. The Giants will win this match comfortably.
Best Bet - GWS 40+ ($1.33)
Byes: Adelaide, Carlton, Collingwood, Gold Coast Suns, Richmond and St Kilda
