Adelaide Crows v Western Bulldogs
Friday, May 18 7:50pm, Adelaide Oval
On Friday night, the Crows and Bulldogs meet at the Adelaide Oval. The Crows are looking the better side in terms of ladder position as they sit 4th on the ladder, compared to the 13th placed Bulldogs. In terms of points scored, the Crows rank 4th in the AFL. Looking at the Bulldogs, they have a 3-2 win-loss record in their last 5 matches. They are scoring 78.25 points per match, which ranks 13th in the AFL and they need to improve their defence in this matchup as they allow 94.25 points on average in season 2018. So in the end, I’m predicting a 1-39 win for the Crows. Their forward line is hard to stop and the Bulldogs lack enough forward options to outscore them.
Stadium Record
This season, the Crows are 3-2 at Adelaide Oval. This is the first match for the Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval since Round 16, 2017, which they lost by 59 points against the Crows.
Head to Head Record
Dating back to 2010, the Bulldogs are 6-5 against the Crows.
Best Bet
North Melbourne Kangaroos v GWS Giants
Saturday, May 19 1:45pm, Bellerive Oval
Bellerive Oval plays host to the Kangaroos and the Giants in AFL footy on Saturday. Both teams are just outside the top eight so this will be a key 4 points on offer. Last week, the Kangaroos just couldn't get past the Tigers at Etihad Stadium in a 10 point loss. But it was a great effort against the in-form Tigers. The Giants comfortably lost to the Eagles by a margin of 25 points. They’re struggling with injuries at the moment and that’s concerning against the Roos. Benny Brown loves playing in his home state and the injury to backman Phil Davis hurts the Giants defence. So the safe bet is the Roos to record the win.
Stadium Record
This season, the Kangaroos hold a 1-0 record at Bellerive Oval. They beat the Blues by 86 points. This is the first match for the Giants at Bellerive Oval since Round 3, 2017 and they won that match by 42 points.
Head to Head Record
Since 2010, the Kangaroos are 5-2 against the Giants.
Best Bet
Gold Coast Suns v Port Adelaide Power
Saturday, May 19 3:15pm, Shanghai
Shanghai plays host to the Suns and the Power for the second straight year. The Power smashed the Suns here last season and it’s hard to see any different this time. They’re coming off an epic Showdown victory over the Crows. Meanwhile, the Suns were terrible against the Demons. They look tired and the trip to China certainly won’t help. They are a poor scoring team (71.25 points per match) and rank 16th in the AFL. While in defence, they are allowing teams to score 93.63 points on average. So get on the Power at the line because this could get ugly.
Stadium Record
In 2017, the Power won this meeting by 72 points.
Head to Head Record
Dating back to 2010, the Power are 8-1 against the Suns.
Best Bet
Essendon Bombers v Geelong Cats
Saturday, May 19 4:35pm, MCG
Round 9 continues with the Bombers hosting the Cats at the MCG on Saturday. Looking at the ladder, the Cats have been more consistent in 2018 and will be favoured to beat the Bombers. The Cats are 4-1 in their last 5 matches and they recorded a comfortably victory last match against the Magpies by 21 points. They rank 6th in the AFL for points scored (88.63) and also rank highly (3rd) for points against. Tom Hawkins is back and Gazza returned with another vintage performance in Round 8. For the Bombers, they have a 1-4 win-loss record in their last 5 matches and they’re looking terrible. Last week, the Bombers couldn't get past the winless Blues at the MCG in a 13 point loss. They are a poor scoring team (80.88 points per match) and rank 10th in the AFL. While in defence, they are allowing teams to score 96.38 points on average. The key in this matchup will be the Cats midfield having a field day against the out of form Bombers. So I’m predicting the Cats will win this by 40+.
Stadium Record
In 2018, the Bombers hold a 0-3 record at MCG. This season, the Cats hold a 2-1 record at MCG.
Head to Head Record
Dating back to 2010, the Cats are 8-2 against the Bombers.
Best Bet
Sydney Swans v Fremantle Dockers
Saturday, May 19 7:25pm, SCG
Round 9 continues with the Swans hosting the Dockers at the SCG on Saturday. The Swans are looking the better side in terms of ladder position as they sit 7th on the ladder, compared to the 12th placed Dockers. They're coming off a fantastic away win over the Hawks as well. In the backline, they look strong with just 79.88 points allowed and that should be the key against the Dockers. Looking at the Dockers, they have a 2-3 win-loss record in their last 5 matches. They are scoring 78 points per match, which ranks 14th in the AFL. Sydney’s record at home in 2018 isn’t great but the win over the Hawks should give them confidence to beat the Dockers by 1-39 points.
Stadium Record
This season, the Swans are 1-3 at SCG. The Dockers haven't played at SCG since Round 5, 2014, which they lost by 17 points against the Swans.
Head to Head Record
The Swans hold a 6-5 record against the Dockers.
Best Bet
St Kilda Saints v Collingwood Magpies
Saturday, May 19 7:25pm, Etihad Stadium
On Saturday night, the Saints and Magpies meet at Etihad Stadium. The Magpies are looking the better side as they sit 11th on the ladder with a 4-4 record. Last match, the Magpies comfortably lost to the Cats by a margin of 21 points but they have been playing pretty well lately compared to the Saints. St Kilda is 1-6 on the season and will need to show something. They were comfortably beat by the Dockers last week by 30 points. In terms of points scored, the Saints rank 18th in the AFL and just cannot convert in front of the goal. Collingwood are the better side and they need to win this so the line is good value for the Pies.
Stadium Record
This season, the Saints hold a 1-3 (1 draw) record at Etihad Stadium. This is the first match for the Magpies at Etihad Stadium since Round 20, 2017, which they won by 54 points against the Kangaroos.
Head to Head Record
Dating back to 2010, the Magpies are 8-3 against the Saints.
Best Bet
Carlton Blues v Melbourne Demons
Sunday, May 20 1:10pm, MCG
On Sunday afternoon, the Blues and Demons meet at the MCG. The Demons should be confident of victory as they sit 6th on the ladder, compared to the 17th placed Blues. The Demons are 3-2 in their last 5 matches and they were very impressive last match against the Suns by 69 points. Last time out, the Blues comfortably beat the Bombers at the MCG by a score of 91-78 for their first win of the season. However, they are still a poor scoring team (69.63 points per match) and rank 17th in the AFL. While in defence, they are allowing teams to score 100 points on average. Melbourne is looking like a real top eight side in 2018 and they should be able to dominate the young Blues.
Stadium Record
In 2018, both sides hold a 1-3 record at the MCG.
Head to Head Record
Dating back to 2010, the Blues are 7-3 against the Demons.
Best Bet
Brisbane Lions v Hawthorn Hawks
Sunday, May 20 3:20pm, Gabba
The Gabba plays host to the Lions and the Hawks in AFL footy on Sunday. The Hawks should be confident of a rebound victory as they sit 5th on the ladder, compared to the 18th placed Lions. Last match, the Hawks lost a close one to the Swans by a margin of 8 points. But they rank 5th in the AFL for points scored (92.88) and also rank highly (6th) for points against. The Lions are yet to win in 2018 so they will be desperate on Sunday afternoon. They are coming off a comfortable 93-107 loss against the Bulldogs by 14 points. They are a poor scoring team (73.25 points per match) and rank 15th in the AFL. While in defence, they are allowing teams to score 99.38 points on average. The Hawks love playing the Lions and they should be extra motivated after losing to Sydney.
Stadium Record
In 2018, the Lions are 0-3 at Gabba. The Hawks haven't played at Gabba since Round 10, 2016 and they won that match by 48 points.
Head to Head Record
Since 2010, the Hawks are 8-0 against the Lions.
Best Bet
West Coast Eagles v Richmond Tigers
Sunday, May 20 4:40pm, Optus Stadium
Finals have come early as the 7-1 Eagles and 7-1 Tigers face off at Optus Stadium on Sunday. For the Eagles, they won against the Giants last week by 25 points. The Tigers held on last match against the Kangaroos by 10 points. Both sides are showing impressive form in the forward line, so this should be an entertaining matchup. The away side is ranked 1st in the AFL for points scored (102.75) and the home side has scored 99.63 points per match. The Tigers small forward line is hard to stop and Dusty Martin will be looking to rebound from the tag last week, which is scary for the Eagles. Up forward for West Coast, Jack Darling is finally showing his potential and Josh Kennedy versus Alex Rance will be the matchup to watch. The return of Nic Nat and McGovern also helps the Eagles immensely. In the end, I do like the Eagles to get an upset. They love playing at Optus Stadium and the Tigers only loss in 2018 was in an away match (Adelaide). So this could be a tough trip for them. Although, it should be a very tight finish.
Stadium Record
This season, the Eagles hold a 4-1 record at Optus Stadium. This is the first match for the Tigers at Optus Stadium.
Head to Head Record
Dating back to 2010, the two teams can't be separated in the head to head with a 4-4 record.
Best Bet
For the latest AFL Round 9 markets, click here.
