St Kilda Saints v Richmond Tigers
Friday, July 20 7:50pm, Etihad Stadium
In this matchup, the Saints and Tigers face off at Etihad Stadium on Friday. Last week, the Tigers lost a close one against the Giants at Spotless Stadium by 2 points. They did miss their chances in that loss, which should give them more motivation to beat the Saints. However, the Saints are coming off an impressive 116-52 win against the Blues. They also thrashed the Tigers 138-71 in last year’s meeting at Etihad. So while I see the Tigers winning this based on their overall form this season, the Saints are showing good form at the moment. They lost to the Tigers by 28 points in Round 10 and been playing decent enough to keep this under a 39 point margin.
Stadium Record
This season, the Saints are 2-5 (1 draw) at Etihad Stadium. The Tigers hold a 2-0 record at Etihad Stadium in 2018.
Head to Head Record
The Tigers hold a 8-4 record against the Saints.
Best Bet
Collingwood Magpies v North Melbourne Kangaroos
Saturday, July 21 1:45pm, MCG
On Saturday afternoon, the Magpies and Kangaroos meet at the MCG. This is a critical clash for both sides. The Magpies are aiming for a top four finish and were poor against the Eagles last week at this venue. On the other hand, the Kangaroos played in a very tough loss against Sydney. While the Magpies are favourites, this should be a close matchup with lead changes back and force. So I really like the wire to wire - any other result bet.
Stadium Record
In 2018, the Magpies hold a 6-5 record and the Kangaroos are 0-1 at MCG. Which they lost against the Demons in Round 3.
Head to Head Record
Since 2010, the Magpies are 7-3 against the Kangaroos.
Best Bet
Wire to Wire - Any Other Result $2.05
Sydney Swans v Gold Coast Suns
Saturday, July 21 2:10pm, SCG
The Swans and Suns face off at the SCG on Saturday in what should be a comfortable win for the home side. They’ve never lost against the Suns in their history and have won the last 2 at the SCG by over 60 points. Sydney stopped a 2 game losing streak last week with a key win over the Kangaroos. The lesser likes at the Swans of Allir Allir, Florent and Ronke all starred in the win. The Suns haven’t tasted a win for a long time and this won’t change. They rank in the bottom four for both points scored and points allowed, which is not a great sign for a clash against a top 8 side on the road.
Stadium Record
This season, the Swans are 4-4 at SCG. This is the first game for the Suns at SCG since Round 16, 2017, which they lost by 67 points against the Swans.
Head to Head Record
Dating back to 2010, the Swans are 8-0 against the Suns.
Best Bet
Essendon Bombers v Fremantle Dockers
Saturday, July 21 4:35pm, Etihad Stadium
AFL football continues with the Bombers playing the Dockers at Etihad Stadium in this clash. Both teams are just outside the top eight so this will be a key 4 points on offer. The Bombers are coming off a 95-51 win over the Suns by 44 points. The Dockers held on last game against the Power by 9 points, in a very surprising win. Ross Lyon’s ugly game-plan won in the end, which he’ll look to employ against the Bombers at Etihad. The Bombers scored 125 against the Kangaroos in their last game here and they beat the Dockers 107-92 at Etihad last season. So with the Bombers coming off 6 wins in their last 8 and the Dockers missing Nat Fyfe/Sandilands. I would suggest backing the Bombers by under 39 points.
Stadium Record
In 2018, the Bombers hold a 3-2 record at Etihad Stadium. This season, the Dockers are 1-0 at Etihad Stadium. They beat the Blues by 57 points.
Head to Head Record
The Dockers are 7-3 against the Bombers.
Best Bet
Brisbane Lions v Adelaide Crows
Saturday, July 21 7:25pm, Gabba
The Brisbane Lions are back at the Gabba this week and they’ll look for a 4th straight win. Last week, they did what many team’s struggle to achieve as they comfortably beat the Hawks by 33 points in Tasmania. In this 3 game winning streak, they’ve won by 30+ in all 3 and will be looking at breaking another streak. They’ve lost 6 in a row against the Crows and the last 3 have been by 80+. While the Crows rebounded from a 47 point defeat to the Tigers with a 15 point win over the Cats last week, the trip to Brisbane hasn’t proved as easy as seasons before. The away side will also miss Tex Walker up forward after his suspension. So I can see a close encounter with the Lions momentum getting them over the line.
Stadium Record
This season, the Lions are 2-6 at Gabba. This is the first game for the Crows at Gabba since Round 9, 2017 and they won that game by 80 points.
Head to Head Record
Dating back to 2010, the Crows are 9-2 against the Lions.
Best Bet
Geelong Cats v Melbourne Demons
Saturday, July 21 7:25pm, Kardinia Park
One of the games of the round takes place at Kardinia Park with the Cats hosting the Demons. With both sides in the bottom half of the top 8, this is a key 4 points on offer for a potential top 4 finish. The Cats are coming off a comfortable 112-97 loss against the Crows last week. But they have a 4-1 record in season 2018 at this venue. The Demons were impressive last game against the Bulldogs in a 50 point win. These two sides met in Round 1 at the MCG and the Cats prevailed by 3 points, mainly thanks to Max Gawn missing a fairly easy set shot. While they lost to the Cats by 111 points in the last meeting here, they’ve improved immensely since that crushing defeat. Their midfield is capable of dominating, especially with Max Gawn in career best form. So this should be another close encounter, with the value in the hands of the Dees at the line.
Stadium Record
In 2018, the Cats are 4-1 at Kardinia Park. This is the first game for the Demons at Kardinia Park since Round 23, 2016, which they lost by 111 points against the Cats.
Head to Head Record
Dating back to 2010, the Cats are 8-1 against the Demons.
Best Bet
Carlton Blues v Hawthorn Hawks
Sunday, July 22 1:10pm, Etihad Stadium
Sunday afternoon begins with the Blues playing the Hawks at Etihad Stadium. Last week, the Hawks comfortably lost to the Lions by a margin of 33 points in Tassie. So they should be desperate to get their season back on track against the poor Blues. The Blues are 1-15 on the season and will need to start showing something, otherwise Bolton should be sacked. They are coming off a massive 116-52 loss against the Saints, which is a fellow bottom four side. They rank in the bottom of the 2 of the AFL for points scored and points allowed. The Hawks won’t be happy after last week and I can see another trashing for the Blues.
Stadium Record
In 2018, the Blues are 0-4 and the Hawks are 1-2 at Etihad Stadium.
Head to Head Record
The Hawks are 8-1 against the Blues since 2010.
Best Bet
West Coast Eagles v Western Bulldogs
Sunday, July 22 3:20pm, Optus Stadium
West Coast pulled off a stunning win last week as they downed the Magpies at the MCG. The return of Kennedy, Darling and LeCras to their forward line was the key. However, another serious knee injury to Nic Naitanui really soured the win. The good news for the Eagles is they play the Bulldogs at home this week, who don’t possess a dominant ruckman. The Dogs are coming off back to back 50+ defeats and this will be another tough challenge. They’ve also lost the last 3 against the Eagles and again were defeated by 50+ in the Round 2 matchup this season. So all signs are pointing to a large win for the home side.
Stadium Record
In 2018, the Eagles hold a 7-2 record at Optus Stadium. The Bulldogs are 0-1 at Optus Stadium. Which they lost against the Dockers in Round 5.
Head to Head Record
Dating back to 2010, the Eagles are 8-5 against the Bulldogs.
Best Bet
Port Adelaide Power v GWS Giants
Sunday, July 22 4:40pm, Adelaide Oval
On Sunday afternoon, the Power and Giants meet at the Adelaide Oval to conclude the round. Both sides are in the top eight so this should be an interesting game to watch. The Power are coming off a close 50-59 loss against the Dockers by 9 points. Which was disappointing and they lost Paddy Ryder to injury. Meanwhile, the Giants pulled off one of the upsets of the season with a great win over the Tigers at Spotless. They have enjoyed playing the Power lately with 3 straight wins and also beat them at this venue in 2016. So after last week, the Giants to win this is a good value bet.
Stadium Record
In 2018, the Power are 7-1 at Adelaide Oval. The Giants hold a 1-0 record at Adelaide Oval this season as they beat the Crows by 16 points a few weeks ago.
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 18 markets, click here.
s lost a close one against the Giants at Spotless Stadium by 2 points. They did miss their chances in that loss, which should give them more motivation to beat the Saints. However, the Saints are coming off an impressive 116-52 win against the Blues. They also thrashed the Tigers 138-71 in last year’s meeting at Etihad. So while I see the Tigers winning this based on their overall form this season, the Saints are showing good form at the moment. They lost to the Tigers by 28 points in Round 10 and been playing decent enough to keep this under a 39 point margin.
Stadium Record
This season, the Saints are 2-5 (1 draw) at Etihad Stadium. The Tigers hold a 2-0 record at Etihad Stadium in 2018.
Head to Head Record
The Tigers hold a 8-4 record against the Saints.
Best Bet
Collingwood Magpies v North Melbourne Kangaroos
Saturday, July 21 1:45pm, MCG
On Saturday afternoon, the Magpies and Kangaroos meet at the MCG. This is a critical clash for both sides. The Magpies are aiming for a top four finish and were poor against the Eagles last week at this venue. On the other hand, the Kangaroos played in a very tough loss against Sydney. While the Magpies are favourites, this should be a close matchup with lead changes back and force. So I really like the wire to wire - any other result bet.
Stadium Record
In 2018, the Magpies hold a 6-5 record and the Kangaroos are 0-1 at MCG. Which they lost against the Demons in Round 3.
Head to Head Record
Since 2010, the Magpies are 7-3 against the Kangaroos.
Best Bet
Wire to Wire - Any Other Result $2.05
Sydney Swans v Gold Coast Suns
Saturday, July 21 2:10pm, SCG
The Swans and Suns face off at the SCG on Saturday in what should be a comfortable win for the home side. They’ve never lost against the Suns in their history and have won the last 2 at the SCG by over 60 points. Sydney stopped a 2 game losing streak last week with a key win over the Kangaroos. The lesser likes at the Swans of Allir Allir, Florent and Ronke all starred in the win. The Suns haven’t tasted a win for a long time and this won’t change. They rank in the bottom four for both points scored and points allowed, which is not a great sign for a clash against a top 8 side on the road.
Stadium Record
This season, the Swans are 4-4 at SCG. This is the first game for the Suns at SCG since Round 16, 2017, which they lost by 67 points against the Swans.
Head to Head Record
Dating back to 2010, the Swans are 8-0 against the Suns.
Best Bet
Essendon Bombers v Fremantle Dockers
Saturday, July 21 4:35pm, Etihad Stadium
AFL football continues with the Bombers playing the Dockers at Etihad Stadium in this clash. Both teams are just outside the top eight so this will be a key 4 points on offer. The Bombers are coming off a 95-51 win over the Suns by 44 points. The Dockers held on last game against the Power by 9 points, in a very surprising win. Ross Lyon’s ugly game-plan won in the end, which he’ll look to employ against the Bombers at Etihad. The Bombers scored 125 against the Kangaroos in their last game here and they beat the Dockers 107-92 at Etihad last season. So with the Bombers coming off 6 wins in their last 8 and the Dockers missing Nat Fyfe/Sandilands. I would suggest backing the Bombers by under 39 points.
Stadium Record
In 2018, the Bombers hold a 3-2 record at Etihad Stadium. This season, the Dockers are 1-0 at Etihad Stadium. They beat the Blues by 57 points.
Head to Head Record
The Dockers are 7-3 against the Bombers.
Best Bet
Brisbane Lions v Adelaide Crows
Saturday, July 21 7:25pm, Gabba
The Brisbane Lions are back at the Gabba this week and they’ll look for a 4th straight win. Last week, they did what many team’s struggle to achieve as they comfortably beat the Hawks by 33 points in Tasmania. In this 3 game winning streak, they’ve won by 30+ in all 3 and will be looking at breaking another streak. They’ve lost 6 in a row against the Crows and the last 3 have been by 80+. While the Crows rebounded from a 47 point defeat to the Tigers with a 15 point win over the Cats last week, the trip to Brisbane hasn’t proved as easy as seasons before. The away side will also miss Tex Walker up forward after his suspension. So I can see a close encounter with the Lions momentum getting them over the line.
Stadium Record
This season, the Lions are 2-6 at Gabba. This is the first game for the Crows at Gabba since Round 9, 2017 and they won that game by 80 points.
Head to Head Record
Dating back to 2010, the Crows are 9-2 against the Lions.
Best Bet
Geelong Cats v Melbourne Demons
Saturday, July 21 7:25pm, Kardinia Park
One of the games of the round takes place at Kardinia Park with the Cats hosting the Demons. With both sides in the bottom half of the top 8, this is a key 4 points on offer for a potential top 4 finish. The Cats are coming off a comfortable 112-97 loss against the Crows last week. But they have a 4-1 record in season 2018 at this venue. The Demons were impressive last game against the Bulldogs in a 50 point win. These two sides met in Round 1 at the MCG and the Cats prevailed by 3 points, mainly thanks to Max Gawn missing a fairly easy set shot. While they lost to the Cats by 111 points in the last meeting here, they’ve improved immensely since that crushing defeat. Their midfield is capable of dominating, especially with Max Gawn in career best form. So this should be another close encounter, with the value in the hands of the Dees at the line.
Stadium Record
In 2018, the Cats are 4-1 at Kardinia Park. This is the first game for the Demons at Kardinia Park since Round 23, 2016, which they lost by 111 points against the Cats.
Head to Head Record
Dating back to 2010, the Cats are 8-1 against the Demons.
Best Bet
Carlton Blues v Hawthorn Hawks
Sunday, July 22 1:10pm, Etihad Stadium
Sunday afternoon begins with the Blues playing the Hawks at Etihad Stadium. Last week, the Hawks comfortably lost to the Lions by a margin of 33 points in Tassie. So they should be desperate to get their season back on track against the poor Blues. The Blues are 1-15 on the season and will need to start showing something, otherwise Bolton should be sacked. They are coming off a massive 116-52 loss against the Saints, which is a fellow bottom four side. They rank in the bottom of the 2 of the AFL for points scored and points allowed. The Hawks won’t be happy after last week and I can see another trashing for the Blues.
Stadium Record
In 2018, the Blues are 0-4 and the Hawks are 1-2 at Etihad Stadium.
Head to Head Record
The Hawks are 8-1 against the Blues since 2010.
Best Bet
West Coast Eagles v Western Bulldogs
Sunday, July 22 3:20pm, Optus Stadium
West Coast pulled off a stunning win last week as they downed the Magpies at the MCG. The return of Kennedy, Darling and LeCras to their forward line was the key. However, another serious knee injury to Nic Naitanui really soured the win. The good news for the Eagles is they play the Bulldogs at home this week, who don’t possess a dominant ruckman. The Dogs are coming off back to back 50+ defeats and this will be another tough challenge. They’ve also lost the last 3 against the Eagles and again were defeated by 50+ in the Round 2 matchup this season. So all signs are pointing to a large win for the home side.
Stadium Record
In 2018, the Eagles hold a 7-2 record at Optus Stadium. The Bulldogs are 0-1 at Optus Stadium. Which they lost against the Dockers in Round 5.
Head to Head Record
Dating back to 2010, the Eagles are 8-5 against the Bulldogs.
Best Bet
Port Adelaide Power v GWS Giants
Sunday, July 22 4:40pm, Adelaide Oval
On Sunday afternoon, the Power and Giants meet at the Adelaide Oval to conclude the round. Both sides are in the top eight so this should be an interesting game to watch. The Power are coming off a close 50-59 loss against the Dockers by 9 points. Which was disappointing and they lost Paddy Ryder to injury. Meanwhile, the Giants pulled off one of the upsets of the season with a great win over the Tigers at Spotless. They have enjoyed playing the Power lately with 3 straight wins and also beat them at this venue in 2016. So after last week, the Giants to win this is a good value bet.
Stadium Record
In 2018, the Power are 7-1 at Adelaide Oval. The Giants hold a 1-0 record at Adelaide Oval this season as they beat the Crows by 16 points a few weeks ago.
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 18 markets, click here.
