2022 AFL Round 15 Betting Predictions
Round 15 features a top-of-the-table clash to start us off on Thursday night footy and plenty of other top 8 battles as the second half of the season begins.
Melbourne Demons (2nd) vs Brisbane Lions (1st)
The Demons are back from the bye and they'll be looking to end a rare 3-game losing streak. They've let a lead slip in all 3 losses against the Dockers, Swans and Pies, which will be a focus against the Lions. Their backline will be strengthened by the return of May. But Max Gawn is out for the next month and Luke Jackson will take over the ruck duties.
The Lions are sitting nicely at the top of the ladder and will be fresh from the bye. They don't have a great record at the MCG but this should be a good test before the finals. Zorko should be able to play after a hamstring injury against the Saints in the Lions last hitout.
Melbourne will be fired up after 3 straight defeats and will be tough to beat. They have a nice record against the Lions and have covered in the last 7 night games. Meanwhile, the Lions have struggled at the home of football with 9 straight defeats.
Stadium Record
Melbourne are 0-3 at the MCG since Round 11. Brisbane are 0-9 at the 'G since 2015.
Head to Head Record
The Demons are 6-2 in the last 8 meetings and beat the Lions in the finals last year by 33 pts.
Best Bet
Western Bulldogs (10th) vs Hawthorn Hawks (14th)
The Bulldogs are hunting a top 8 spot after 4 wins in their last 5. They come off an impressive road win over the Giants as their forward line was unstoppable. Both Naughton and Weightman kicked 5 goals in the 125-105 victory. However, they have picked up a few more injuries with English, Duryea and Weightman.
The Hawks are back from the bye and looking to end a 3 game-losing streak. However, they have played in close losses against the Dockers in Perth and Magpies at the MCG. As a young team, they're showing good signs for the future. Their forward line will be boosted by the return of Lewis and Gunston for this clash as well.
This should be a free-flowing game under the roof and we like the Over. The Dogs kicked 125 pts last week and the young Hawks will be fresh from the bye with a boosted forward line.
Stadium Record
The Dogs have won 4 of their last 5 at Marvel. Hawthorn have lost 4 straight at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 5 meetings, the Hawks are 3-2.
Best Bet
West Coast Eagles (18th) vs Essendon Bombers (16th)
The Eagles are still on the bottom of the ladder but showed some good signs against the Cats last week. A number of veterans returned to the side and they showed some spirit against Geelong. This is a winnable game against the Bombers and they'll be desperate to end a 9 game losing streak at Optus Stadium.
The Bombers showed some signs of life last week as they thrashed the Saints 107-72. Their forward line was dominant as Peter Wright kicked 4 goals in his 100th game and Jake Stringer was one of the Bombers best. They can't make finals but they'll be confident of back-to-back wins.
This is probably the Eagles best chance to get a win at the moment and we like them at the line. They have a stronger team at the moment and gave the Cats a game last week. Meanwhile, Essendon are inconsistent and have lost both interstate games this season.
Stadium Record
West Coast are now 0-9 at Optus Stadium. Essendon are 3-4 at this venue in their history.
Head to Head Record
The Eagles are 3-1 in the last 4 meetings.
Best Bet
Carlton Blues (5th) vs Fremantle Dockers (3rd)
The Blues come off a disappointing loss against the Tigers and their injury list is becoming concerning. Especially in the backline as they continue to lose key defenders. However, they enjoy playing under the roof at Marvel as they're undefeated in 4 games this season.
The Dockers head to Melbourne with a lot of confidence after 3 straight wins. They're coming off the bye and beat the Dees in their last trip to Melbourne. They also beat Carlton in the first meeting of the season in Perth.
This is a tough game to pick considering the Blues have a good record at Marvel but the Dockers did beat Carlton earlier this season. So we're looking at Cripps to continue his 30+ disposal streak. He's collected 30+ in 7 games this season and comes off 34 against the Tigers last week.
Stadium Record
Carlton are 4-0 at Marvel this season. Freo have won back-to-back games at Marvel since last season.
Head to Head Record
The Dockers beat the Blues by 35 pts in Round 6. But the Blues have won 4 of the last 5 meetings.
Best Bet
Patrick Cripps - 30+ Disposals = $2.30
Geelong Cats (4th) vs Richmond Tigers (6th)
The Cats have jumped into the top 4 after 4 straight wins and will be fired up for this clash. They generally struggle after a bye and it's fair to say, they weren't at their best against the Eagles on Saturday afternoon. But a win is a win. They'll likely be boosted by the return of Danger for this huge clash.
The Tigers are back in the top 8 after 4 wins in their last 5. They outplayed the Blues in the wet last week and this will be another tough clash with the Cats on Saturday. They've also been tough to beat at the MCG this season with a 7-2 record. In injury news, Dusty Martin is expected to return. But Cotchin and Tarrant are out.
The odds are locked at $1.90 at the moment but the Tigers do look the better bet. They have been strong at the MCG this season and Dusty is back. They also don't have to travel factor as Cats are returning from Perth.
Stadium Record
Geelong are 6-1 at the MCG since mid-2021. Richmond are 5-0 at the MCG and 7-2 this season.
Head to Head Record
The Cats have won the last 2 meetings since losing the 2020 GF against the Tigers.
Best Bet
Sydney Swans (7th) vs St Kilda Saints (8th)
The Swans faded badly against the Power last week in the 82-59 defeat so they'll look to bounce back at the SCG. They have a great record against the Saints and the Swans forward line should be able to take advantage in this matchup. They have lost Ladhams to suspension in the ruck but Hickey should return from VFL.
The Saints have lost back to back games against the Lions and Bombers. However, inspirational captain Jack Steele is expected to return against the Swans after missing a month with a shoulder injury. That should help them win the clearances and give their struggling defence a chance against the likes of Franklin.
Sydney have the potential to bounce back after last week as they have a strong home record over the Saints. St Kilda's backline has been exposed in the last 2 weeks and the likes of Franklin should be able to get plenty of scoring shots.
Stadium Record
Sydney are 4-2 at home this season. St Kilda have lost their last 6 at the SCG.
Head to Head Record
The Swans have won 11 of the last 13 meetings.
Best Bet
North Melbourne Kangaroos (17th) vs Adelaide Crows (15th)
North return from the bye in Round 15 and will be hoping their fortunes can improve in the second half of the season. Their last win was back in Round 2 against the Eagles. They've also lost 3 straight at this venue.
The Crows come off a 116-73 defeat against the Suns but this is a winnable game against the Kangaroos. Their midfield should be able to dominate through the likes of Laird, Keays and Crouch. That will give their forward line plenty of opportunties to kick a score.
Adelaide are the stronger team on paper and there's not many positives about North at the moment. Crows to win by around 5-6 goals.
Stadium Record
North have lost 3 straight at this venue. Adelaide are 0-1 at this venue in their history.
Head to Head Record
The Crows are 3-2 in the last 5 meetings.
Best Bet
Collingwood Magpies (9th) vs Greater Western Sydney Giants (13th)
The Pies have plenty of off-field dramas but on the field, they've won 4 in a row. They sit equal on points with 3 other teams so games against teams below them on the ladder are crucial. The major advantage in this matchup is the venue as the Pies have won their last 3 at the MCG. That includes a massive win over the Demons on Queen's Birthday.
The Giants struggled against the Bulldogs on Saturday night as they leaked 125 points in the 20 point defeat. Their injury list is one of the longest in the AFL, which won't help them against the Pies on the road. Especially their ruck stocks as Flynn and Preuss are both out.
At the moment, the Giants injuries are mounting and that will likely cost them against the Pies in Melbourne. Collingwood are in great form and should win by a 1-39 margin on their home turf.
Stadium Record
Collingwood have won 3 straight at the MCG and hold a 6-2 record this season. The Giants are 3-3 in their last 6 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
GWS has won the last 4 meetings since 2019.
Best Bet
Port Adelaide Power (12th) vs Gold Coast Suns (11th)
The Power claimed a crucial win over the Swans on Saturday afternoon and that kept their faint top 8 hopes alive. Interestingly, the Power were the first team to lose against the Suns but have never lost since (12-0). They have lost Butters to injury but Travis Boak should be back.
The Suns are flying after 3 straight wins and will be hoping the momentum can continue in this huge clash. While they've never won at this venue and have a terrible record against Port, the Suns are playing some of their best footy in the club's history at the moment. One of the key matchups will be Witts in the ruck against Finlayson and the Suns should be able to win the clearances.
It's hard to back against the trend as the Power have won the last 12 meetings. The Suns have also never won at the Adelaide Oval. While we don't see them getting thrashed, the Power by 1-39 looks the best play.
Stadium Record
Port are ridding a 4 game winning streak at home. Gold Coast have never won at this venue in 8 attempts.
Head to Head Record
The Power have won 12 of 13 meetings against the Suns.
Best Bet
