West Coast Eagles vs Collingwood Magpies
July 12th (Friday 6.10pm) Optus Stadium
Grand final rematch takes place for the second time this year but this game has a lot more on the line then their round 3 clashes at the MCG where the Eagles won by 25 points in a dominant display. If the Eagles win this game they will go two games ahead of Collingwood in 2nd spot. The Pies have lost their last two games and last week had victory snapped from their grasp thanks to a late surge from the Hawks. The Eagles on the other hand were sensational vs the Dockers beating them by 91 points in wet conditions. Cameron, a young 19 year old stepped up and kicked 4 goals and looks a player just like his brother at Brisbane. This game will be on from the first qtr and even though the Pies haven’t been playing as well as they would of liked in recent weeks I expect them to get up for the team that ruined their 2018. It is a huge week for Mason Cox and Brodie Grundy if they can stop Nic Naitanui it will go along way for them winning this game. Thomas is dropped for the Pies and Crocker comes in for his first game on 2019. Eagles welcome back Josh Kennendy and Tom Cole.
H2H
Eagles have won 4 of the last 5 games vs the Pies
Best Bet
Sydney Swans vs Carlton Blues
July 13th (Saturday 1.45pm) SCG
Many think this game will be a walk in the park for the Sydney Swans but with Carlton playing with a sense of belief now this could be an interesting Saturday. The Blues came from 30 points down vs Melbourne to nearly snatch the game at the end for what would of been a remarkable comeback. Their younger players are playing with confidence and hunger which wasn’t seen at the start of the year. The Swans had a great month up until last week were they lost to the Bombers by 10 points in a game they should have won. Many chances in front of goal along with a few decisions they would like again and they probs get over the line. They are missing Lance Franklin who is their forward target along with a fit ruckmen with Sinclair still out with a shoulder problem. They have brought Kirean Jack back for his first game for a while and I think that is a poor decision he is over 30 they should be blooding some young kids. I am going with the Swans here only because this game is at home.
H2H
Swans have won 4 of the past 5 games for the Blues
Best Bet
Hawthorn Hawks vs Fremantle Dockers
July 13th (Saturday 2.10pm) UTAS
The Hawks got back to winning ways last Friday night with a gutsy win over the Pies in a game where they were down by 19 points with 8 mins to go. No one would of expected them to come back and win that game but just like most Alastair Clarkson sides they find a way to win. They welcome back Grant Birchall for his first game in 700 days and he is a welcome addition. Can kick long and open the play up and do a defensive job on one of Fremantle’s small forwards. Dockers will welcome this trip away after being belted by their cross town rivals last weekend. 91 points in wet weather footy is embarrassing and it looks like the fans are sick of Ross Lyon, could this be his last year? This game is in Tasmania and the Hawks love playing down here it is expected to rain which will help the Hawks. They are a team that doesn’t play pretty football but they get the job done and I am expecting a pretty straight forward win for the Hawks this weekend.
H2H
Hawks have won the last 5 games vs the Dockers
Best bet
Hawks 1-39 $2.20
Essendon Bombers vs North Melbourne Kangaroos
July 13th (Saturday 4.35pm) Marvel
Match of the round in my eyes so much on the line for both sides. Win and you’re on track to play finals lose and you could be planning September holidays. The Bombers have been up and about in recent weeks with wins over the Swans and Giants and the same can be said for the Kangas with big wins over the Saints and the Pies. Marvel stadium roof will be closed but if the Bombers get a grip of this game expect it to be blown off. John Worsfold has got a few tricks up his sleeve and this looks like it will be a tough and contested game of footy. No Dyson Heppell for the Dons who was a late out last weekend as he battles a foot problem but it is Dylan Shiel 150th match and if he can get off and break his tag Dons win. Jake Stringer was sensational last weekend and if he kicks a bag Dons win. Tipping the Dons but it will be close.
H2H
Bombers have won 3 of the past 5 games vs the Kangaroo
Best Bet
Bombers win $1.77
Gold Coast Suns vs Adelaide Crows
July 13th (Saturday 7.25pm) Metricon
Adelaide were shocking last weekend vs the Power in a showdown it was like they didn’t turn up after half time. Don Pyke and Taylor Walker came out and said that no player is safe and there would be multiple changes to this side, two changes have been made with Douglas and Galluci dropped Riley Knight is back for the Crows. I can’t see how Bryce Gibbs hasn’t been brought back into this side he is a class player and would add polish to this Crows side. The Suns on the other hand will be looking to put up a solid performance after they were belted by the Tigers last week in a game that they were never in. Rischitelli is back and his leadership will be much appreciated this week against an Adelaide side I am tipping to come out firing and it could get ugly for the Suns if they are not on their game early. Big week for Eddie Betts has been in and out of form lately but would love to kick a bag of goals to get his confidence up leading into the back part of the season. Tipping a big Adelaide win here and when I mean big it could be 100 points.
H2H
Adelaide have won the last 5 games vs the Suns
Best Bet
Geelong Cats vs St Kilda Saints
July 13th (Saturday 7.25pm) GMHBA
Cats had a poor last weekend losing to the Bulldogs in a game I expected them to run riot on. It could be one of those loses that sparks them into form and get them back on track to take out this years minor Premiership. Ablett, Kelly and Dangerfield will be up to their old tricks this weekend and If I was a Saints fan I would be very very very worried. The Saints have been poor over the last month and people are also saying that their coach should be sacked at the end of the year. I disagree with this one and put it back on the players. The Saints started season 2019 winning games of football and looking like a finals side but now the wheels have fallen off and they look like a bottom 4 side with 6 games to go they need to step up for their coach. Dan Hannebery is missing with a hamstring problem and you have to ask yourself why did the Saints recruit this guy who has played two games for them. Cats by 50+ this weekend to get back to winning ways.
H2H
Cats have won 3 of the past 5 games vs the Saints
Best Bet
Richmond Tigers vs GWS Giants
July 14th (Sunday 1.10pm) MCG
Another match that I am looking forward to this weekend is this one. Two teams battling for a top 4 spot and attack the finals. The Tigers have been playing with half a side but they get a few players back this weekend which will help them against a Giants side which has lost two games in a row and will be looking to get a win at a ground that has been a bit of a bogey for them in recent times. If they are to win finals they must win on the MCG and there is no better way to start then to beat the 2017 Premiers on their home ground. The Tigers had a training session last week vs the Suns and they will be hoping to take that form into this week knowing it is going to be a physical game. The Giants need to win because if they lose they will drop out of the top 4 and with a hard run going into the final rounds they can’t afford anymore slip ups. Tipping the Tigers in a tight contest. Big week for Toby Greene if he stands up the Giants can win this game
H2H
GWS have won 3 of the past 5 games vs the Tigers
Best Bet
Western Bulldogs vs Melbourne Demons
July 14th (Sunday 3.20pm) Marvel
Sunday afternoon footy brings us an interesting contest. The Bulldogs last week played their best football of season 2019 and beat the flag favourites at their own game which is contested ball and setting up attack from defence. They are playing with no regrets and taking the game on which will expose the Demons this weekend as it will open up the game and the Demons won’t be able to go with the Bulldogs run and carry. The Demons last weekend got out of jail vs the Blues and for a moment I thought the Blues were going to steal it from the Demons enter Jayden Hunt who dobbed a goal from outside 50 to win the game for the Demons. Unfortunately they have lost Tom Mcdonald to a knee injury and it doesn’t look like he will be back for the rest of the year. Positive for the Demons though is that Max Gawn is back and sets up a mouth watering clashes with Tim English who has been in sensational form. Tipping the Bulldogs in a tight contest.
H2H
Melbourne has won 3 of the last 5 games vs the Bulldog
Best Bet
Port Adelaide Power vs Brisbane Lions
July 14th (Sunday 4.40pm) Adelaide Oval
What a way to round out round 17 with this game at Adelaide Oval. The Power had a great win last weekend against their arch rivals in the Crows. They smashed them all over the park and never looked like losing after half time. Scott Lycett is in the form of his life and is killing the ruck and giving his players first use of the ball. Robbie Gray has been labeled the best ever Port Adelaide player which is a big call but at this moment in his career they are probably right. Travis Boak is back and he will be welcomed into the midfield for his attack on the ball and great decision making. The Lions last week had their best win of season 2019 on the road vs a Giants team who rarely loses at their home ground. They are playing with so much confidence and Chris Fagan should be congratulated for his honest approach to this football side. The belief this side has is unreal they haven’t won at Adelaide Oval for two seasons but what a two week period it would be if they can beat the Power at their home ground. Cracking game but I am tipping the Power only because of the home ground advantage.
H2H
Port have won 4 of the last 5 games vs the Lions
Best Bet
Power win $1.63
