Sydney vs. Hawthorn (SCG, Thursday 14 July 7:20pm)
Certainly the match of the round and potentially the grand final preview. The Swans ($1.62) enter as favourites and will be confident of replicating the performance of last time these two sides met. But the Hawks ($2.30) have started to hit some promising form and I believe this match should be an even money contest. For that reason alone, a sneaky dabble at Hawthorn to win between 1 – 39 could be worth looking at.
Fremantle vs. Geelong (Subiaco Oval, Friday 15 July 8:10pm)
The Dockers ($4.70) are at home but are returning from a hot and humid clash against the Demons up in Darwin while the Cats ($1.19) will be out to prove a point after last week’s disappointment against the Swans. If the question is who has more to play for, then you would have to give the nod to Geelong and for that reason I feel as though they will get the job done comfortably.
Geelong at the line -30.5 ($1.90)
Richmond vs. Essendon (MCG, Saturday 16 July 1:40pm)
It is always a big clash when two of the “big four” teams meet at the home of football. Richmond ($1.14) are hot favourites for obvious reasons and looked impressive last week against the Bulldogs despite ultimately falling short of a win. This is a similar story for the young Bombers ($5.70) and make no mistake, John Worsfold’s men will enter this match looking for a victory. I think the Tigers will be too talented but the Bombers might be worth a look at the line.
North Melbourne vs. Port Adelaide (Etihad Stadium, Saturday 16 July 4:35pm)
The Roos ($1.42) have been hit hard with injury and have not recorded a win in nearly a month and a half. You get the feeling that the boys from Arden Street will be starting to feel the pressure and sometimes that can prod teams to success. But the Power ($2.80) still believe that they are a slight chance to play finals football in 2016 and for that to happen they will need to win this weekend. The grunt and contested ball winning ability of Ollie Wines and class of Robbie Gray will give the Power every chance of winning this match.
Western Bulldogs vs. Gold Coast Suns (Cazalys Stadium, Cairns, Saturday 16 July 7:25pm)
The unpredictability of the North Queensland heat could give the Suns ($5) a chance in this one, but it would take a brave person to tip against the Western Bulldogs ($1.17). The Dogs got the job done last week despite a gallant effort from their opposition and expect them to do the same against this week. Making the Suns’ job even more difficult will be the absence of skipper Gary Ablett.
Adelaide vs. Collingwood (Adelaide Oval, Saturday 16 July 7:40pm)
The Crows ($1.17) are all the rage at the moment and sit in the top four with many pundits rating them as premiership contenders. Collingwood ($5) have obviously had their critics throughout the season but responded in emphatic style last week against Greater Western Sydney. It will be interesting to see whether the win galvanises the boys in black and white or whether the ‘Pies rest on their laurels.
Carlton vs. West Coast (MCG, Sunday 17 July, 1:10pm)
This match may be more interesting than first thought. The Eagles ($1.17) have traditionally been ordinary outside of Perth but have an opportunity here for a confidence boosting win. West Coast looked good last week against North Melbourne with midfielders Andrew Gaff, Luke Shuey and Chris Masten gathering plenty of the football. They are a far more talented side on paper than the Blues ($5) but you just never know what could happen.
St Kilda vs. Melbourne (Etihad Stadium, Sunday 17 July 3:20pm)
This should be a close and exciting encounter between two clubs on the rise. The Saints ($2.08) got the points against Essendon last week but were far from impressive while the Demons will be returning from a game played in the harshest conditions for football in Australia. Expect the Melbourne ($1.75) boys to be tired from their trip up north, while St Kilda will be desperate to improve on their effort last week. Combine this with the fact that the Saints have beaten the Demons in each of their last 13 encounters.
Brisbane Lions vs. Greater Western Sydney (GABBA, Sunday 17 July 4:40pm)
To put it plain and simple, the Lions ($11) are playing atrocious football. Despite a slightly-improved performance against the Suns last week, it still lost by 36 points. This week they will face a GWS ($1.04) side seething from last week’s shock loss to Collingwood. Expect the Giants to come out all guns blazing and this could spell disaster for Brisbane.
