2024 AFL Round 9 Betting Predictions
Get ready for another thrilling round of AFL action as we look at betting predictions for every game of Round 9.
Carlton Blues (8th) vs Melbourne Demons (4th)
The Blues aren't having the best luck lately. They've hit a rough patch, losing three out of their last four matches due to injuries. Things aren't looking any easier with the upcoming match against the in-form Melbourne team, followed by games against Sydney, Gold Coast, Port Adelaide and Essendon before they get a break in round 14.
Melbourne showed they mean business by beating Geelong and securing their spot in the top four. A win against Carlton could really solidify their season, especially with matches against West Coast and St Kilda coming up. However, they're not forgetting the threat Carlton poses, especially after suffering a painful loss to them last year and getting knocked out in a close semi-final showdown.
The Dees come off a huge win over the previously undefeated Cats and have covered in 6 of their last 7 games. They'd love to get revenge for the semi-final loss last year and Carlton are looking a bit shaky against top teams at the moment.
Stadium Record
Carlton are 7-3 in their last 10 games at the MCG. Melbourne are 6-4 in their last 10 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 8, the Demons are 6-2 against the Blues.
Best Bet
Geelong Cats (2nd) vs Port Adelaide Power (7th)
Geelong had a bit of a stumble in their first loss of the season against Melbourne, losing by just eight points despite some of their top players not performing at their best. But with players like Jeremy Cameron in their side, they're banking on a better performance this time as they aim to continue their winning streak of nine games at home against Port Adelaide. The last time Port Adelaide won at Geelong's turf was way back in 2008 and on average, they've been losing by 42 points so it's a tough challenge ahead.
Port Adelaide is facing the risk of dropping out of the top eight after losing two out of their last three matches, including a tough defeat in the Showdown last week. However, if they can turn around their bad record at Geelong stadium, where they've only won twice in their 16 visits, they might have a shot at reclaiming their spot in the top four, especially with matches against the Hawks and Roos coming up next.
The Cats at home are tough to back against and the Power have some key injuries that showed in last week's loss against the Crows. Take the Cats 1-39 as they've won their last 9 against the Power at the Cattery.
Stadium Record
Geelong are 3-2 in their last 5 games at this venue. Port Adelaide are 0-2 at this venue since 2021.
Head to Head Record
The Cats are 6-4 against the Power since 2018.
Best Bet
Fremantle Dockers (6th) vs Sydney Swans (1st)
Fremantle has bounced back nicely after a surprising loss to West Coast. They've managed to get two wins in a row against teams they were expected to beat. Even against tougher opponents like the Blues and Power, they've put up a good fight, although they came up short. Now, they're looking to make a statement on their home turf against the high-flying Swans.
Sydney are top of the ladder for just the second time since 2016, showed their dominance by crushing their crosstown rivals, Greater Western Sydney, in challenging conditions on Saturday afternoon. While they might be even better suited to a dry field at Optus Stadium, their midfield will need to replicate their efforts from the previous game against the Giants to counteract Fremantle's strengths.
Both sides are in good form so I like the Over in this matchup. It's 4-0 in the Dockers last 4 at Optus and they allowed the Eagles to kick 105 pts a few weeks ago so Sydney could easily hit the 100 pt mark too.
Stadium Record
Fremantle are 5-5 in their last 10 games at this venue. Sydney are 3-1 at this venue since 2021.
Head to Head Record
The Swans are 3-2 against the Dockers in the last 5 meetings.
Best Bet
Hawthorn Hawks (16th) vs St Kilda Saints (14th)
Hawthorn bounced back from a disappointing loss to Sydney by pulling off a surprising win against the Western Bulldogs, delivering what could be seen as their best game of the season. However, the Hawks still have something to prove—they need to show they can consistently perform at that level, as they've been a bit inconsistent this season, swinging between promising and just average performances.
St Kilda managed to revive its season a bit by doing what it had to do against North Melbourne, ending a streak of three consecutive losses. But the Saints can't afford any slip-ups against the unpredictable Hawthorn. Their upcoming matches against Fremantle and Melbourne, both in the current top eight, mean they need to bring their A-game against the Hawks.
A huge win for the Hawks last week and they get back to Tassie where they're 4-0 ATS. So I think they could give the Saints a scare.
Stadium Record
Hawthorn are 3-0 at UTAS Stadium since 2021. St Kilda are 3-2 in their last 5.
Head to Head Record
The Saints are 4-1 against the Hawks in the last 5 meetings.
Best Bet
Essendon Bombers (5th) vs GWS Giants (3rd)
Essendon is off to its best start for a while, but they surely remember what went down the last time they faced the Giants. Things are looking different for the Bombers now, with some fresh faces and a more daring approach, but they're yet to claim a major victory like the one the Giants could provide.
The Giants didn't have the best outing against their rivals, Sydney, with too many key players not stepping up in the wet conditions. With Tom Green sidelined for much of the game due to injury, they suffered their second loss in three matches. However, they might take some confidence from their last encounter with the Bombers, where they handed them a massive 126-point defeat.
The Bombers are 3-0 ATS when they face the Giants at Marvel and they're playing good enough footy to possibly get the upset.
Stadium Record
Essendon are 8-2 in their last 10 games at Docklands. GWS are 1-4 in their last 5 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 9, the Giants are 6-3 against the Bombers.
Best Bet
Richmond Tigers (17th) vs Western Bulldogs (11th)
Richmond is still struggling with just one win under their belt and their losses have been getting more lopsided. However, they can take some solace in being the only team to take down the ladder leaders, Sydney. With not much left to lose, the Tigers might benefit from loosening up and playing with more purpose, especially since they've only been averaging 55 points in their last four consecutive losses.
The pressure is mounting on the Western Bulldogs after losing four out of their last five matches, causing them to lose ground in the top-eight race. While they had managed to beat teams around their ranking, they stumbled against the Hawks. Now, they need to bounce back, starting with a match against the Tigers, especially considering the tough lineup they have ahead, including games against the Giants, Swans, Pies, Lions, and Dockers.
Both sides are very inconsistent but I like the chances of the Under, which is 9-2 in the Tigers last 11 games.
Stadium Record
Richmond are 5-5 in their last 10 games at the MCG. The Bulldogs are 2-3 in their last 5 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 5 meetings, the Tigers hold a 3-2 record.
Best Bet
Gold Coast Suns (10th) vs North Melbourne Kangaroos (18th)
Gold Coast has been pretty solid at home this season, winning all four matches at People First Stadium. However, they haven't had the same luck on the road, losing just as many games. Their upcoming back-to-back home games at TIO Stadium will really put their travel skills to the test, but they can take some confidence from their perfect record at that venue over the past few years.
North Melbourne finds itself in a tough spot, sitting at the bottom of the ladder. Their chances of snagging a win are dwindling, especially as they're now struggling against teams outside the top eight. The young Roos might need to start with small victories, like keeping their opponents to fewer than 100 points, even if they're facing the only team they've beaten in the past year.
The Suns love playing in the NT with a 4-0 record and I think that continues in a high-scoring affair against the struggling Roos.
Stadium Record
Gold Coast are 4-0 at this venue since 2021. North Melbourne are 0-1.
Head to Head Record
In the last 9, the Suns hold a 5-4 record.
Best Bet
Collingwood Magpies (9th) vs West Coast Eagles (15th)
Collingwood showed they still have that nail-biting edge when they edged out their traditional rivals Carlton by just six points, scoring a last-minute goal. Despite a shaky start with three losses, they're sitting just outside the top eight. If things go their way in round nine, they could climb as high as fifth place.
West Coast came close to securing their third win at home as they made a late charge against Essendon, led by veterans like Tim Kelly. But just as they were gaining momentum, injuries hit, and now they're gearing up to face the reigning premiers with a younger squad, who are looking pretty formidable at the moment.
I like the Eagles form at the moment and they have surprised some teams at Marvel recently so I'm backing them to keep this under a 6 goal margin.
Stadium Record
Collingwood are 4-6 in their last 10 games at Docklands. West Coast are 2-6 at this venue since 2021.
Head to Head Record
The Magpies are 3-2 against the Eagles in the last 5.
Best Bet
Adelaide Crows (12th) vs Brisbane Lions (13th)
Adelaide had a strong showing against their heated rivals, Port Adelaide, in the Showdown, securing their third win in the last four matches and staying close to the top eight. Now, they have a chance to showcase their potential for finals in consecutive matches against last year's grand finalists, followed by what seems to be an easier run against the Eagles, Hawks, and Tigers.
Brisbane put on an impressive display against Gold Coast, despite four key players getting injured during the game. Their depth might be tested in the upcoming weeks, but a win on the road against the resurgent Adelaide Crows would serve as a reminder to the competition that last year's runners-up are still a force to be reckoned with.
The Under is 8-1 at the Adelaide Oval and both sides are fairly inconsistent so I like the chances of a low scoring battle.
Stadium Record
Adelaide are 5-5 in their last 10 games at the Adelaide Oval. Brisbane are 2-2 at the Adelaide Oval since 2021.
Head to Head Record
The Lions are 4-1 against the Crows in the last 5 meetings.
Best Bet
