Sydney Swans v Geelong Cats
Thursday, July 5 7:20pm, SCG
The SCG plays host to the Swans and the Cats in AFL footy on Thursday. Both sides are sitting in the top eight and that adds extra spice to this clash. The Swans are coming off a comfortable 67-93 loss against the Tigers. Last week, the Cats lost a close one against the Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium by 2 points. Harry Taylor missed a shot on the siren and the Cats top 4 hopes took a hit. In the first meeting of the season, the Swans staged a massive upset in Geelong and that was without Lance Franklin. So this time at the SCG, the Swans will be even more confident. They dominated the Eagles in their last home game and I just think they’ll have enough class for a 1-39 win.
Stadium Record
In 2018, the Swans hold a 4-3 record at SCG. This is the first match for the Cats at SCG since Round 11, 2014 and they lost that by 110 points versus the Swans.
Head to Head Record
Dating back to 2010, the two teams can't be separated in the head to head with an 8-8 record.
Best Bet
Richmond Tigers v Adelaide Crows
Friday, July 6 7:50pm, MCG
The Grand Final re-match is set for Friday night footy at the ‘G. The Crows will be looking to bury some demons from that loss and the Tigers are aiming for an incredible 17th straight win at the MCG. They made a statement last week with a 26 point win over the Swans and not many sides have stopped them at this venue this season. The Crows finally broke a 4 game losing streak last week with a comeback win over the Eagles, 88-78. However, their last performance at the ‘G was poor as they were held to 32 points against the Hawks. I do think this will be closer than the Grand Final last year, but the Tigers are just a class above the competition at the moment. Richmond 1-39.
Stadium Record
In 2018, the Tigers are 9-0 at MCG. This season, the Crows are 0-1 at MCG. They lost against the Hawks by 56 points.
Head to Head Record
The Crows are 6-5 against the Tigers.
Best Bet
Brisbane Lions v Carlton Blues
Saturday, July 7 1:45pm, Gabba
Round 16 continues with the Lions up against the Blues at the Gabba. This is likely a battle for the spoon which the Lions should be confident of winning. They absolutely smashed the Dockers by 55 points in Perth last week. Which ended a 4 game losing streak. While they have a 2-12 record, it doesn’t really reflect their performances this season. They also love playing the Blues at the Gabba with 4 straight wins. Carlton are 0-7 as the away team this year and will likely struggle to contain this in-form Lions attack. Lions at the line.
Stadium Record
This season, the Lions are 1-6 at Gabba. The Blues haven't played at Gabba since Round 18, 2017, which they lost by 30 points against the Lions.
Head to Head Record
Since 2010, the two sides have both won 6-6 against each other.
Best Bet
Port Adelaide Power v St Kilda Saints
Saturday, July 7 4:35pm, Adelaide Oval
In this clash, the Power and Saints face off at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday. The Power are looking the better side in terms of ladder position as they sit 5th on the ladder, compared to the 15th placed Saints. However, the Saints are coming off 2 straight wins and they’ll be looking to end the season on a high. They also lost by just 2 points in last season’s meeting at the Adelaide Oval. The Power are 4-0 at this venue and they’re just doing enough to win games at the moment. So I do see another close one with the Power getting up by under 39 points.
Stadium Record
This season, the Power are 6-1 at Adelaide Oval. This is the first match for the Saints at Adelaide Oval since Round 19, 2017, which they lost by 2 points against the Power.
Head to Head Record
The Power are 7-2 against the Saints.
Best Bet
Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn Hawks
Saturday, July 7 7:25pm, Etihad Stadium
Round 16 continues with the Bulldogs hosting the Hawks at Etihad Stadium on Saturday. The Hawks are 10th on the ladder and really need to win this. But the Bulldogs are coming off 2 straight games that have finished within 3 points. Which was against two team's in the hunt for the top 8 (Cats, Kangaroos). So they’re finally playing like their 2016 Grand Final form. The last meeting between the sides went down to the wire as well so I can see a close affair at Etihad. Dogs at the line.
Stadium Record
This season, the Bulldogs are 4-5 at Etihad Stadium. In 2018, the Hawks are 0-2 at Etihad Stadium.
Head to Head Record
Dating back to 2010, the Hawks are 9-2 against the Bulldogs.
Best Bet
Melbourne Demons v Fremantle Dockers
Saturday, July 7 7:40pm, TIO Stadium
TIO Stadium plays host to the Demons and the Dockers in AFL footy on Saturday. The Demons run of form has gone astray with 3 straight defeats. But I believe they will return to their high scoring dominance when they face the Dockers. With their season pretty much on the line, Fremantle dished up a pitiful performance against the Lions last week as they went down by 55 points. To make matters worse, Nat Fyfe did his hammy and Sandilands is likely out of this clash. So Max Gawn will be liking his lips for a big one in the ruck. In the end, the Demons are still the top ranked scoring team in the AFL and they should run all over the young Dockers here.
Stadium Record
The Demons are 1-3 and the Dockers 1-1 since 2014 at TIO Stadium.
Head to Head Record
Dating back to 2010, the Dockers are 9-2 against the Demons.
Best Bet
North Melbourne Kangaroos v Gold Coast Suns
Sunday, July 8 1:10pm, Etihad Stadium
Sunday afternoon action starts with the Kangaroos up against the Suns at Etihad Stadium. Last week, the Kangaroos played in a high scoring battle against the Bombers as they went down 125-108. The Suns lost their 9th straight and they’re looking to avoid the spoon. In contrast, the Roos are just outside the top 8 and need to take advantage of the woeful Suns. Without Tom Lynch, they lack scoring options and that will hurt against the Roos in another large defeat.
Stadium Record
In 2018, the Kangaroos are 4-3 at Etihad Stadium. This season, the Suns hold a 1-0 record at Etihad Stadium. They beat the Blues by 34 points.
Head to Head Record
Dating back to 2010, the two teams can't be separated in the head to head with a 5-5 record.
Best Bet
Essendon Bombers v Collingwood Magpies
Sunday, July 8 3:20pm, MCG
The rivalry between the Bombers and Magpies continues this Sunday at the MCG. The stakes are even higher on this occasion which is based on both team’s form at the moment. The Magpies are looking unstoppable after a 6 straight win. The Bombers have won 5 of their last 6 and they’re making a late push for the finals. So compared to the Magpies 101-52 win on Anzac Day, this should be a much closer contest. Essendon were electric last week as they moved the ball with ease on the Roos. Collingwood is now the 3rd ranked scoring team in the AFL as well. So all signs are pointing to the over total points in this clash because picking a winner is a tough bet. The over is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings as well.
Stadium Record
This season, the Bombers hold a 1-4 record and the Magpies hold a 5-4 record at MCG.
Head to Head Record
The Magpies are 11-5 against the Bombers.
Best Bet
West Coast Eagles v GWS Giants
Sunday, July 8 4:40pm, Optus Stadium
On Sunday afternoon, the Eagles and Giants meet at Optus Stadium. Both sides are in the top eight so this should be a close matchup. The Eagles are coming off another loss as they collapsed in the last quarter against the Crows. They’ve now lost 3 straight and scoring is becoming a major concern. On the other hand, the Giants are looking for a 5th straight win and their best players are returning to form. They have a good record against the Eagles with 3 wins in the last 4, including a 98-90 win in Perth last season. So the line on offer is good value for the more in-form away side.
Stadium Record
In 2018, the Eagles are 6-2 at Optus Stadium. This is the first match for the Giants at Optus Stadium.
Head to Head Record
The Eagles are 6-3 against the Giants.
Best Bet
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