Collingwood vs. North Melbourne (Etihad Stadium, 7:50pm Friday 22 July)
It is certainly a very intriguing match-up to kick off the round. North Melbourne ($1.67) went from on top of the ladder to now fighting to remain in the top eight while the Magpies ($2.20) have been hot and cold all season. If the game was at the MCG I would lean towards Collingwood but the fact that it is at Etihad Stadium makes me favour the Roos.
North Melbourne 1 – 39 ($2.18)
*PROMO - Money back on h2h bets if your team leads at 3/4 time but loses the match - up to $50 as REAL CASH. *T&Cs apply. Not available to residents of NSW & SA.
Sydney vs. Carlton (SCG, 1:45pm Satruday 23 July)
This is probably not a case of whether the Swans would win but more a question of how much by? Sydney ($1.04) will be fretting over a missed opportunity to knock off Hawthorn last week and will more than likely take out their frustration by flogging Carlton ($11). There has been plenty of positives for the Blues this season but I can’t see them being able to contain big Buddy Franklin this week.
Gold Coast vs. Fremantle (Metricon Stadium, 2:10pm Saturday 23 July)
Despite the fact Fremantle ($2.44) have only won three times this season, I give them a massive chance in this match. The Dockers were solid last week at home despite the eventual loss to the Cats and if they play football anywhere near that standard on Saturday they should claim the four points. The Gold Coast ($1.55) suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Western Bulldogs last week in Cairns and teams traditionally struggle when returning from a match in the tropics.
West Coast vs. Melbourne (Domain Stadium, 4:35pm AEST Saturday 23 July)
Yet again the Eagles ($1.13) travelled to Melbourne failing to silence its critics with a less than impressive win over Carlton. But back at home this week they should easily account for a Melbourne ($5.80) team coming off a disappointing loss to St Kilda. The Eagles have a far more damaging midfield and Josh Kennedy is always an ominous target in attack. Expect a better effort from the Demons this week but they need a more even contribution across their side for them to be any chance of an upset.
Geelong vs. Adelaide (Simond Stadium, 7:25pm AEST Saturday 23 July)
It is fair to say that everyone is eagerly anticipating this match up. Patrick Dangerfield will face off against his old side for the second time, except on this occasion it will be on home turf. The competition’s most in-form player has loomed unstoppable recently but expect his former team the Crows ($2.22) to do everything humanely possible in order to curb his influence. For all the dominance that Dangerfield and partner-in-crime Joel Selwood have had in the midfield, the Cats ($1.66) have looked vulnerable at times this season. The Crows are on a hot streak of wins and would love to claim a huge scalp to propel themselves right into premiership contention, if they are not there already.
Western Bulldogs vs. St Kilda (Etihad Stadium, 7:25pm AEST Saturday 23 July)
This looms as a really exciting fast-paced match up. The Saints ($3.45) understandably enter this match as underdogs but its best football has been really promising. If they can take maximum effort and intensity into the contest then they are a real chance, but anything less than that and the Dogs ($1.30) should be too classy. You could go Saints at the line but I think a safer bet is Western Bulldogs to win under 40.
Western Bulldogs 1 – 39 ($2.02)
Essendon vs. Brisbane (Etihad Stadium, 1:10pm Sunday 24 July)
It is a true indictment of how badly the Brisbane Lions ($2.68) season is travelling when the ASADA-ravaged Essendon ($1.47) enter the match as favourites. It is hard to picture either of these sides singing the club song at the end of the game. The Bombers have been gallant throughout the season and have produced a number of admirable losses. But surely with the mounting pressure on coach Justin Leppitsch and public scrutiny levelled at the playing group, the Lions can galvanise and produce a victory here. You definitely wouldn’t put the house on it, but get on Brisbane in a close one.
Hawthorn vs. Richmond (MCG, 3:20pm Sunday 24 July)
It has been an interesting and somewhat peculiar rivalry that these two clubs have enjoyed over the past couple of years. Despite the Hawks ($1.13) being the competition’s most dominant team during this period, they have generally struggled against the Tigers ($6). Both sides play a relatively similar game plan, albeit the Hawks are far more effective in implementing it. But with that being said, something tells me that the Tigers will take the challenge up to the Hawks on Sunday. Dustin Martin is in career best form and expect a solid showing from Jack Riewoldt after a relatively quiet performance last week.
Port Adelaide vs. Greater Western Sydney (Adelaide Oval, 4:40pm Sunday 24 July)
This is another fantastic looking match up. The Power ($2.32) present decent value here and are in decent form. The Giants ($1.60) have the more talented team on paper but interstate games can always challenge a young playing group. GWS recorded a commanding victory the last time these two clubs met and for that reason I feel as though they will get the chocolates.
