Hawthorn vs. Essendon Friday 10 June, 7:50pm
Etihad Stadium
There is only one way this match is going and that will be a big win to Hawthorn ($1.01). You would have to be mad to think the Bombers ($12) are any chance so load up on the boys in brown and gold with supreme confidence.
Best Bet: Hawthorn 40 + ($1.37)
Port Adelaide vs. Western Bulldogs Saturday 11 June, 1:40pm
Adelaide Oval
It takes a brave man to tip against Port Adelaide ($1.80) at a ground that is nicknamed “the Portress”. The Power have enjoyed plenty of success at Adelaide Oval in the past couple of seasons and have started to hit good form as they stay in touch with the top eight sides. But there is just something about this Bulldogs ($2.02) side that makes me think they will get the job done yet again. It has covered the losses of Rob Murphy and Jason Johannisen relatively well and their midfielders are in good form. The Dogs cause plenty of trouble for opposition teams with their bullet-like ball movement and will win this game in a close one.
Best Bet: Western Bulldogs 1 – 39 ($2.50)
Brisbane vs. Fremantle Saturday 11 June, 4:35pm
GABBA
Fremantle ($1.61) recorded its long overdue first win last week on home soil against a young Essendon outfit. Meanwhile, the Lions’ ($2.30) season is going from bad to worse and are fresh off a heavy defeat at the hands of Carlton. Despite what the ladder suggests, the Dockers are capable of playing good football, however I am not sure that the same can be said for its opponents. Despite being away from home, the experience of Michael Barlow, David Mundy and others in the Fremantle line-up should be enough to account for the Lions.
Best Bet: Fremantle by 1 – 39 ($2.18)
Geelong vs. North Melbourne Saturday 11 June, 7:25pm
Eithad Stadium
This will be a hotly anticipated matchup between two inform teams in the Cats ($1.75) and the Kangaroos ($2.08). North Melbourne will have the added luxury of an extra day’s rest and they did it relatively easy last week against a disappointing Richmond. The potential absence of Todd Goldstein is certainly a concern but Brad Scott’s men will go into this match confident. The Cats have been inconsistent this season but rebounded from a couple of disappointing weeks to beat GWS at home last Saturday. It is a close game that could be decided on Goldstein’s availability.
Best Bet: North Melbourne by 1 – 39 ($2.58)
West Coast vs. Adelaide Saturday 11 June, 7:40pm
Subiaco Oval
As a general rule, you should always proceed with caution when tipping against West Coast ($1.44) at home. The Eagles are a five to six goal better side on the wide expanses of Subiaco but I feel there is tremendous value here for the Crows. There is plenty to like about the boys in Adelaide ($2.78) and they are fresh off a commanding win against St Kilda last week. The Crows are a very even team across the board but the imposing form of Josh Jenkins this year has added another dimension to an already potent forward line.
Best Bet: Adelaide by 1 – 39 ($3.30)
St Kilda vs. Carlton Sunday 12 June, 1:10pm
Etihad Stadium
St Kilda’s ($2.42) form is up and down like a yoyo this season but one can expect that from a young side. Carlton ($1.56) are another young team and have shown exceptional improvement this season under new coach Brendon Bolton. But with all young sides, the inconsistency bug can sometimes hit and this is a match I can see the Blues losing. Saints coach Alan Richardson would be fuming after his side’s embarrassing performance last weekend and the boys from Moorabbin will be doing everything in their power to get back on the winners list.
Best Bet: St Kilda by 1 – 39 ($2.90)
Richmond vs. Gold Coast Suns Sunday 12 June, 3:20pm
MCG
This is an absolute must-win game for the Tigers ($1.26) otherwise I fear what the backlash will be. Richmond have a loud and parochial supporter base and could perhaps intimidate the young Suns that are not use to the MCG. Big performances from Gold Coast’s ($3.80) Gary Ablett and Tom Lynch could make things interesting but one would think the Tigers should have enough talent to be undisturbed here.
Best Bet: Richmond by 1 – 39 ($2.12)
Greater Western Sydney vs. Sydney Sunday 12 June, 4:40pm
Spotless Stadium
Talk about a mouth-watering contest! Both sides have been in cracking form this season and this will be an intriguing contest for the rights for temporary NSW supremacy. Sydney ($1.88) enter as slight favourites and deservedly so with big Buddy Franklin in great form and a midfield group led by Dan Hannebery. The Giants ($1.92) certainly won’t lie down and are a massive chance but I don’t think it will be their day this weekend.
Best Bet: Sydney by 1 – 39 ($2.38)
Melbourne vs. Collingwood Sunday 12 June, 3:20pm
MCG
It would have been a long time since Melbourne ($1.78) enter the traditional Queen’s Birthday clash as favourite. The Demons were gallant in defeat last weekend against the Hawks and a win here would be great for morale. Collingwood ($2.04) were terrible last week against Port Adelaide as returning forward Travis Cloke failed to fire. But it would not surprise me to see Nathan Buckley’s men get the chocolates in this game.
Best Bet: Collingwood by 1 – 39 ($2.54)
Words: Jackson Clark (@JClark182)
