Adelaide vs. West Coast (Adelaide Oval, 8:10pm Friday 26 August)
The Crows ($1.29) are certainly a formidable opponent but I was surprised to see West Coast ($3.60) open at such long odds. With a win on the road against Greater Western Sydney and a comprehensive victory over Hawthorn the club’s last two games, the Eagles certainly enter this match in solid form. Admittedly the loss of Nic Naitanui will hurt them, and perhaps even dent team morale, but there is enough talent in the squad to take the challenge right up to the Crows.
Geelong vs. Melbourne (Simmonds Stadium, 1:45pm Saturday 27 August)
The Cats ($1.15) are gearing up towards finals football while the Demons ($5.50) are coming off probably their second most disappointing loss for the season succumbing to Carlton. The match last week highlighted Melbourne’s inconsistency as a side, despite the inroads they have made this season. All things considered, backing Geelong looks like a safe bet here.
Essendon vs. Carlton (MCG, 2:10pm Saturday 27 August)
A fortnight ago I pencilled this game in as a very winnable one for the Bombers ($3.40). But the Blues ($1.32) sent a reminder last week that they are a team that is on the up. Sometimes young groups can be good one week, poor the next so you would be a brave person to label Carlton certainties this week. But with Kade Simpson and Sam Docherty creating plenty of drive from the back half and Patrick Cripps a clearance beast in the midfield, the Blues should get the chocolates here.
Sydney vs. Richmond (SCG, 4:35pm Saturday 27 August)
Richmond ($9.90) surprisingly have a very good record against the Swans so you can not completely rule them out of winning this match. But basic logic tells you that the Swans ($1.05) should be too strong.
North Melbourne vs. Greater Western Sydney (Etihad Stadium, 7:25pm Saturday 27 August)
The AFL world was stunned during the week with the revelation that AFL games record holder Brent Harvey, along with teammates Nick Dal Santo, Michael Firrito and Drew Petrie, would not be offered new contracts at North Melbourne. So it will be intriguing to see how the players respond on the field in what is likely to be the last game these players’ play in front of a home crowd. Personally I feel it could have a galvanising effect on the group and I would not be surprised to see the Roos ($2.76) record an upset win over the Giants ($1.45).
North Melbourne 1 – 39 ($3.25)
Gold Coast vs. Port Adelaide (Metricon Stadium, 7:25pm Saturday 27 August)
The Suns ($2.90) are playing terrible football at the moment with consecutive losses to Essendon and Collingwood on the back of a long week in Melbourne. While they will have the benefit of the home ground advantage on Saturday night, the Power ($1.40) are a far superior side and should be too good for their younger opponents.
St Kilda vs. Brisbane (Etihad Stadium, 1:10pm Sunday 27 August)
Despite this match having no implications on the 2016 season, both sides would love a win here to give their supporters confidence heading into next season. The Saints ($1.05) start as hot favourites and rightly so after a win over the Tigers last week. Brisbane ($9.40) would have to play out of their skins to get a win here.
Hawthorn vs. Collingwood (MCG, 4:40pm Sunday 27 August)
The Hawks ($1.19) have certainly lost their aura of invincibility as of late but one week out from the finals coach Alastair Clarkson would be adamant that his chargers produce finals-like football. The Magpies ($4.60) have had a patchy season and have less to play for than their opponents, but don’t expect them to be easy beats.
Fremantle vs. Western Bulldogs (Domain Stadium, 3:20pm Sunday 27 August)
How much do you believe in sentiment in football? Do players really lift for a teammate’s milestone or retirement game? They are the big questions that need to be answered before wagering a bet on this match. With Dockers ($3.40) champion Matthew Pavlich hanging up the boots after the weekend, one would expect a spirited performance from his teammates. But the Dogs ($1.31) play the big ground of Subiaco well and should score heavily. Losing has been engrained in the culture of Fremantle this season and it would take a mammoth effort to get within arm’s reach of Western Bulldogs.
Western Bulldogs -20.5 ($1.90)
Words by Jackson Clark (@JClark182)
