Adelaide vs. North Melbourne (Adelaide Oval)
Thursday 23 June, 7:50pm
The Crows ($1.39) enter this match as firm favourites fresh off the bye last week. But sometimes history has shown us that it takes a little while for sides to find their feet after a week off so proceed with caution if you are planning on backing Adelaide here. North Melbourne ($3) present great value and have been competitive in their losses. Despite an injury depleted side, the Kangaroos took it right up to the reigning premiers last Friday night and will fancy themselves a big chance on securing an upset win here.
Best Bet - North Melbourne +17.5 ($1.90)
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Collingwood vs. Fremantle (MCG)
Friday 24 June, 7:50pm
It has been a season to forget for Collingwood ($1.81). In the lead up to last weekend’s bye, the Magpies suffered heavy defeats at the hands of Port Adelaide and Melbourne – two sides that are hardly world-beaters. It has been a tumultuous week off the field with President Eddie McGuire finding himself in hot water over comments he made regarding sports journalist Caroline Wilson. Sometimes that can have a galvanising effect on the group, or it could cause the ‘Pies to further implode. Fremantle ($1.99) have won three on the trot and are starting to play a decent brand of football so I am backing the Dockers to win this in a tight one.
Best Bet - Fremantle by 1 – 39 ($2.54)
Richmond vs. Brisbane (MCG)
Saturday 25 June, 1:40pm
Despite its win over the Gold Coast a fortnight ago, the Tigers ($1.11) were far from impressive. After the week off, you feel as though the Tigers will want to prove a point in front of a vocal home crowd by annihilating the Lions. Brisbane ($6.40) are completely up against the ropes with a string of uncompetitive performances and will need to play out of their skins if they are any chance of claiming an upset.
Best Bet - Richmond by 1 – 39 ($2.60)
Greater Western Sydney vs. Carlton (Spotless Stadium)
Saturday 25 June, 4:35pm
After a couple of weeks as the media’s lovechild, it was a disappointing effort by the Giants ($1.09) last week as it managed to just shake off a determined, young Essendon outfit. But you get the feeling that Leon Cameron’s men will be out to prove a point this weekend and there is no denying that GWS are a far superior side on home soil. The Blues ($7.40) have showed plenty of positives this season under new coach Brendan Bolton, but were disappointing in their last outing against St Kilda a fortnight ago.
Best Bet - Greater Western Sydney -42.5 ($1.90)
St Kilda vs. Geelong (Etihad Stadium)
Saturday 25 June, 7:25pm
The Cats ($1.16) are the hottest team in the competition at the moment with midfield duo Paddy Dangerfield and Joel Selwood producing super-human performances over the past fortnight. With the form line showing comfortable wins over North Melbourne and Western Bulldogs, it is hard to mount a claim that St Kilda ($5.10) are any chance to get near Geelong in this one.
Best Bet - Geelong 40+ ($2.14)
Hawthorn vs. Gold Coast (Aurora Stadium)
Sunday 26 June, 3:20pm
Gold Coast ($12.25) took a step forward a fortnight ago with a decent showing away from home against Richmond. But it is important to remember that the Hawks ($1.03) are much more ruthless and formidable opponent than the Tigers. With Luke Hodge a chance to return to the line-up, you would be either tremendously brave, stupid or both to tip against the reigning premiers.
Best Bet - Hawthorn 40+ ($1.56)
Byes: Essendon, Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Sydney Swans, West Coast Eagles and Western Bulldogs
