AFL Round 1
Richmond Tigers vs Carlton Blues
18th March, MCG 7.50pm
Fans are back at the footy and what a way to start season 2021 with two old rivals. It is a big night for the Tigers with the unveiling of two of their flags from 2019 and 2020. They will want to show that off to the Tiger army, as it has been a long time for their fans to see them in action. Carlton is the team on everyone’s lips and there is no better way to beat the Premiers on their big night to kick off their season. Starts in the middle this game, if the Blues are going to be any chance tomorrow night they need to win the battle of the mids. It is a tough ask as Dustin Martin usually rolls through there and picks up a lazy 30 touches and can pop up and kick goals from anywhere. Cripps needs to have a big game and lead his side. I can’t tip Carlton as I look at their forward line and don’t see someone who is going to stand up and kick a score for the baggers. Richmond for me and the Tigers will win in style. Tigers by 20+
Head 2 Head
Tigers have won the last 5 vs Blues
Best bet
Tigers -22.5 $1.90
Collingwood Magpies vs Western Bulldogs
19th March, MCG 7.50pm
I don’t know what to expect of this game could be fireworks or could it be cuddles and handshakes? Treloar has left the Pies but wasn’t kicked out because they were sick of him or any off-field issue it was clearly a management decision and the Pies couldn’t afford him. What has happened after that is a bad look on Treloar, his wife getting involved and some comments I think he would like to have over again. So, expect some Pies players to come out and give a little of niggle to him. In saying that everyone thinks the Dogs are back to their 2016 form. I agree a little, but I am also very worried about this side. They promise a lot, but god do they let you down. They will benefit from not being in a hub, but it could certainly go pear shaped as a lot of these players thrive off confidence. Pies did well to knock off the Eagles in the finals last year and with a fit De Goey I see them winning this game and surprisingly I think it will be a blow out. Pies by 30+
Pies have won 4 out of the last 5 vs the Dogs
Pies win $2.10
+Line Pies $1.90
Melbourne Demons vs Fremantle Dockers
20th March, MCG 1.45pm
The Demons were hopeless in season 2020 and didn’t look like beating anyone, they are a shadow of the side that competed in a prelim final in 2018. They have recruited Ben Brown to spearhead their forward line but he is out till round 4 leaving them with no key forward for the first couple of rounds which will hurt them as their midfield does get some clean ball when going forward. The Dockers on the other had are in all sorts with two key players missing in Walters and Lobb. Meaning again a lot of pressure falls onto Nat Fyfe shoulders can he lift them in season 2021 to compete for the finals. Game is at the MCG So I can’t see Fremantle troubling Melbourne as they do not travel well the Dockers. Gawn will have a field day in the ruck with no Lobb for Freo. Demons by 20+
Demons have won 3 of the last 5 games vs the Dockers
Melbourne win $1.50
Melbourne -12.5 $1.90
Adelaide Crows vs Geelong Cats
20th March, Adelaide Oval 4.35pm
If I am a Crows fan, I would pencil in to go hang out with the in laws or book in a massage. This game could get ugly. Never great playing the side that lost the Grand Final in the first week of the new season, also add in the inclusion of Cameron, Smith and Higgins to an already star-studded side and this game could be over at qtr time. Easily the worst team in the comp last year the Crows didn’t show much fight when they were beaten and, in some games, last year didn’t compete at all. Look for the Cats to over run the Crows on the big wings of Adelaide Oval. Dangerfield against his old side is also another reason why I give Adelaide no chance at all. I am taking the line in this game and not holding back. Cats by 40+
Head 2 Head
Cats have won 3 of the last 5 games vs the Crows
Best bet
Cats -25.5 $1.90
Essendon Bombers vs Hawthorn Hawks
20th March, Marvel Stadium 7.25pm
I like this fixture a lot Bombers for me are a side that can improve dramatically in season 2021 and that also goes for the Hawks who were down on their form last year. Bombers with a new coach will be out to impress and from all reports they are going to be playing a very attacking brand of football.
I can’t wait for their midfield to run wild in season 2021. Shiel, Smith and Caldwell all ex Giants players now back in their home state they better perform. The Hawks have added the running machine in Tom Phillips who from all reports has trained the house down and that is a credit to himself as he handled the departure from the Pies like a man and knew it wasn’t personal but a business decision. Expect the Hawks to take the game on through the middle this year and provide their key forwards with a lot of clean ball. Last year they looked lazy and not the Hawthorn we have been used to. Expecting a close game here but I think the Dons will get the chocolates. Dons by 15+
Head 2 Head
Bombers have won 3 of the past 5 games vs the Hawks
Best bet
Bombers win $2.05
Brisbane Lions vs Sydney Swans
20th March, Gabba 7.45pm
The Sydney Swans will compete for a top 8 spot this year mark my words. Their younger players will benefit from another preseason under their belt and with the inclusion of Buddy Franklin and Heeney they can compete for a top 8 position. They come up against a side in the Lions that believe this is their chance to win a flag. Falling to the Cats in a prelim last year will hurt but they can bounce back and compete again and challenge for a top 4 spot in season 2021. They have been dealt a blow with Rayner ruled out for the whole season as he tore his ACL in the preseason, he was a valuable player for the Lions and will be missed dearly. Tough for the Swans to go to the Gabba round 1 and get a win but I expect them to battle to the end. Lions by 10+ it is meant to pour come Saturday night.
Head 2 Head
Swans have won 3 of the last 5 games vs the Lions
Best bet
Lions 1-39 $2.05
North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Port Adelaide Power
21st March, Marvel Stadium 1.10pm
Scary thought this game if you are a North fan. Power are in the premiership window and look like they have the right side that can take them to the glory land. Fell short last year but they did look like the team to beat all year. A player who can really take this side to the next level is Hamish Hartlett has a great leg and can really set up the attack for the Power this year. North on the other hand look like they are in for another tough year. They have a good crop of young players, but I believe they need to have another preseason under their belt to compete at AFL level. New coach in is never a good look as Rhys Shaw was only at the helm for one year, but personal issues got the best of him. We wish Shaw well in his future endeavours. Tipping the Power by 50+ here Charlie Dixon to kick a bag.
Head 2 Head
Power have won 4 of the past 5 games vs the Kangas
Best bet
Power -31.5 $1.90
GWS Giants vs St Kilda Saints
21st March, Giants Stadium 3.20pm
Great game on a Sunday and I can’t wait for this. Two young sides who are ready to rip in. Giants have a lot to prove in season 2021, with the departure of Cameron everyone is asking where the Goals will come from, I give you Hogan and Greene to pop up and kick a few. Hogan from all reports has trained the house down and looks the goods to recapture the form from 2018. The Saints in the preseason looked slick and quick they moved the ball well and all the pieces in the puzzle might be forming for the Saints. Their fans deserve a team that performs week in week out as they have suffered for far too long. I really think this will be match of the round as both sides rip in. If the Giants can win early ball from the middle expect them to run away with this one. Giants by 6+
Head 2 Head
Giants have won 3 of the past 5 games vs the Saints
Best bet
Giants -7.5 $1.90
West Coast Eagles vs Gold Coast Suns
21st March, Optus Stadium 6.10pm
We round out round 1 in the wild west. The Eagles lost this fixture last year vs the Suns and everyone was shocked. The Eagles are back on their home deck in front of Crowds which is a scary thought for any side this year as that crowd is wild and really does influence games. Eagles will be without Yeo and Shuey who are battling injuries but Kelly and Naitanui are ready to go. Suns will benefit from another preseason as they are a young side and they add back Matt Rowell who is in after shoulder injury last year. Look it will be tough for the Suns to beat the Eagles in Perth but stranger things have happened and the times we are in the Suns could win. I am tipping the Eagles by 25+.
Head 2 Head
Eagles have won 3 of the last 5 games vs the Suns
Best bet
Eagles +40 $2.50
