Geelong Cats v GWS Giants
Friday, May 4 7:50pm, Kardinia Park
Round 7 begins with the 3-3 Cats up against the 4-1 Giants at Kardinia Park. Last week, the Cats couldn't get past the Swans at Kardinia Park in a 17 point loss, which also ended a 2 match winning streak. Meanwhile, the Giants comfortably beat the Lions at Spotless Stadium. The Giants are the underdogs in the betting but this should be a close contest. They have one of the best midfields in the AFL and they’ll look at how Sydney dominated Geelong in the middle. So take the Giants at the line because they could win this.
Stadium Record
This season, the Cats hold a 1-1 record at Kardinia Park. This is the first match for the Giants at Kardinia Park since Round 11, 2016 and they lost that match by 10 points versus the Cats.
Head to Head Record
Dating back to 2010, the Cats are 6-1 against the Giants. In the last meeting, the Cats looked great in a 103-59 victory.
Best Bet
Western Bulldogs v Gold Coast Suns
Saturday, May 5 1:45pm, Mars Stadium
On Saturday afternoon, the 2-4 Bulldogs and 3-3 Suns meet at Mars Stadium. The Bulldogs are coming off a fairly comfortable victory over the Blues 80-59. Meanwhile, the Suns were thrashed by the Crows 110-62 at the Adelaide Oval. I think the travel factor is getting to the Suns and that will be the difference against the Bulldogs in the second half. To make matters worse, Tom Lynch is out for a month. The team from the West has also won the last 4 so I’ll be backing them at the line.
Stadium Record
The Bulldogs lost to the Power in the first AFL match at Mars Stadium. This is the first match for the Suns at Mars Stadium.
Head to Head Record
Since 2010, the Bulldogs are 7-2 against the Suns. In the last clash, the Bulldogs thrashed them 110-56.
Best Bet
Essendon Bombers v Hawthorn Hawks
Saturday, May 5 2:10pm, MCG
The Bombers will be looking to avoid a 3rd straight loss when they host the Hawks at the MCG on Saturday. The Bombers are coming off a 108-72 loss against the Demons at Etihad Stadium. During their last 5 matches, they have been poor as they hold a 1-4 record. Meanwhile for the Hawks, they have a 3-2 record in their last 5 matches. The Hawks earned a victory last match against the Saints. They have a much better attacking forward line and I can’t see Essendon keeping up with them. They’re also playing their 3rd match in the space of 2 weeks, which is a tough ask. Hawks at the line, which is short.
Stadium Record
In 2018, the Bombers hold a 0-1 record at MCG. They lost against the Magpies by 49 points. Also in 2018, the Hawks are 3-1 at MCG.
Head to Head Record
Dating back to 2010, the Hawks are 7-3 against the Bombers. The last 2 matches have gone either way by 40+.
Best Bet
West Coast Eagles v Port Adelaide Power
Saturday, May 5 4:35pm, Optus Stadium
The Eagles will aim for their 5th straight win when they take on the Power at Optus Stadium this Saturday. They won a classic Derby last week and will look to beat the Power once again. The two sides played in an epic final last season so hopefully it’s just as close here. The Power are coming off an easy win over the Roos and they do have a good record in Perth. So I’m getting on the over total as both sides should enjoy the fast Optus Stadium track.
Stadium Record
This season, the Eagles hold a 3-1 record at Optus Stadium. The Power have never played at Optus Stadium.
Head to Head Record
Dating back to 2010, the Eagles are 7-5 against the Power. They beat them 78-76 in the finals last season.
Best Bet
Sydney Swans v North Melbourne Kangaroos
Saturday, May 5 7:25pm, SCG
In this clash, the 4-2 Swans and 3-3 Kangaroos face off at the SCG on Saturday. For the Swans, they stunned the Cats last week by 17 points. Without Buddy up forward, they turned to a small forward line and smashed the Cats in the clearances. Meanwhile, the Kangaroos lost against the Power by a score of 102-69 at Etihad Stadium. They have a 3-2 record in their last 5 matches. They're a decent team but they lack firepower in the midfield. Which Sydney showed last week. So I would get on the Swans to win this by 1-39 points.
Stadium Record
This season, the Swans hold a 1-2 record at SCG. This is the first match for the Kangaroos at SCG since Round 10, 2016, which they lost by 26 points against the Swans.
Head to Head Record
Dating back to 2010, the Swans are 10-2 against the Kangaroos. In the last meeting, the Swans were victorious by 48 points.
Best Bet
Adelaide Crows v Carlton Blues
Saturday, May 5 7:40pm, Adelaide Oval
The poor Blues look to avoid a 0-7 start as they travel to the Adelaide Oval. But I can’t see it happening as the Crows will likely smash them. The Crows crushed the Suns last week by 48 points. During their last 5 matches, they have a 4-1 record. The Crows are easily scoring points and have won by an average of 35.75 points. Meanwhile, the Blues against the Bulldogs by a score of 80-59 at Etihad Stadium. They just can’t kick enough goals to compete with Adelaide. Strangely this is the first matchup in Adelaide between the two sides since 2010. Crows by plenty.
Stadium Record
This season, the Crows hold a 2-1 record at Adelaide Oval. The Blues have lost 2 matches at this venue by 103pts and 90pts.
Head to Head Record
Since 2010, the two sides have both won 4 matches against each other. But the Crows are 3-0 against them since 2015.
Best Bet
Richmond Tigers v Fremantle Dockers
Sunday, May 6 1:10pm, MCG
The Tigers are starting to assert their dominance over the competition after their 4th straight win. They sit atop the ladder and outlasted the Magpies last week. Meanwhile, the Dockers playing a close Derby and will rue their chances in that match. So in this matchup, the Tigers defence will easily stop the Dockers, who don’t really have a strong forward option. Especially since they put Nat Fyfe forward last week. While in attack, the Tigers small forward line will be too much for the Dockers defence.
Stadium Record
This season, the Tigers hold a 5-0 record at MCG. The Dockers haven't played at MCG since Round 8, 2017, which they won by 2 points against the Tigers.
Head to Head Record
Since 2010, the Dockers are 7-6 against the Tigers. The Tigers thrashed them 155-51 in the last clash.
Best Bet
St Kilda Saints v Melbourne Demons
Sunday, May 6 3:20pm, Etihad Stadium
A big test awaits the Saints at Etihad Stadium with their season on the line already. The Saints are aiming to avoid a 3rd straight defeat in what has been a poor start it’s fair to say. The retirement of Nick Reiwoldt has really shown as they just can’t kick goals. As such, they’re averaging 8 goals and 12 behinds in 2018. Meanwhile for the Demons, they earned a victory in Round 6 as they beat the Bombers by 36 points. The pleasing sign was Jesse Hogan had a quiet match in a big win. So in this contest, Melbourne will likely dominate the Saints in defence and Maxy Gawn will have another field day in the ruck.
Stadium Record
In 2018, the Saints hold a 1-2 (1 draw) record at Etihad Stadium. This season, the Demons hold a 1-0 record at the venue.
Head to Head Record
Since 2010, the Saints are 10-2 against the Demons. In the last match between the sides, the Saints lost against the Demons at the MCG by 24 points.
Best Bet
Brisbane Lions v Collingwood Magpies
Sunday, May 6 4:40pm, Gabba
After a 6th consecutive loss, the Lions will be desperate for a win. They’re coming off a 77-43 loss against the Giants and just lack forward line options. Dayne Zorko also can’t find the ball. Luke Hodge should be back but the forward line is where they need help. Meanwhile for the Magpies, they have a 3-2 record in their last 5 matches. The Magpies were no match for the Tigers in the end. But they should return to the winner’s list. They have a strong midfield, led by the in-form Treloar. Their forward line will likely dominate the Lions defence as a result.
Stadium Record
This season, the Lions hold a 0-2 record at Gabba. This is the first match for the Magpies at Gabba since Round 8, 2016 and they won that match by 78 points.
Head to Head Record
Since 2010, the Magpies are 6-2 against the Lions and they’ve won the last 3.
Best Bet
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