Port Adelaide vs. Hawthorn (7:50pm Thursday 7 July, Adelaide Oval)
The Power ($2.22) looked solid last week against a hapless Richmond outfit, but face a much tougher task this time. Hawthorn ($1.66) are not yet producing the football that would inspire their supporters of achieving its fourth premiership in a row, but good teams know how to win and they’re on top of the ladder for a reason. Port Adelaide traditionally have a good record against the Hawks, and the home-ground advantage certainly helps them, but the reigning premiers should get up in a close one.
Hawthorn 1 – 39 ($2.26)
Geelong vs. Sydney (7:50pm Friday 8 July, Simonds Stadium)
The difference between the Cats’ best and worst in season 2016 would be some cause for alarm for coach Chris Scott. Geelong ($1.39) have had big wins against some quality opposition but have fallen short against sides such as Carlton, Collingwood and St Kilda. There is no doubting the potency of Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood in the midfield but their opponents, the Swans, also have a formidable on-ball brigade. Sydney ($3) fell short at home against the Western Bulldogs last week but with Luke Parker, Josh Kennedy and Dan Hannebery in good form, they certainly pose a strong threat to the Cats in this match.
Sydney 1 – 39 ($3.50)
Greater Western Sydney vs. Collingwood (1:40pm Saturday 9 July, Spotless Stadium)
The Giants ($1.06) are fresh off a week’s break after dismantling Carlton at this venue a fortnight ago. They boast a plenty of talent in every area of the ground and enter this match as deserved favourites. But Collingwood ($8.70) are a proud club and would not want to get beat up by the new kids on the block. The Magpies traditionally perform well interstate and while it might be a stretch to suggest they win this match, it could be closer than many people think.
Collingwood at the line 47.5+ ($1.90)
Gold Coast vs. Brisbane (4:35pm Saturday 9 July, Metricon Stadium)
You would be crazy to back the Lions ($4.80) – a side that has only won once in 2016 – wouldn’t you? On face value you’d would have to suggest that to be the case, but keep in mind that the Lions seem to lift when they play their Queensland little brother. Brisbane outpointed the Suns ($1.18) last time these two clubs faced and with coach Justin Leppitsch under plenty of media scrutiny in the preceding weeks, don’t be surprised to see the Lions play out of their skins and get a win here. Regardless, they present value if you take them at the line.
Brisbane +32.5 ($1.90)
Western Bulldogs vs. Richmond (7:25pm Saturday 9 July, Etihad Stadium)
You get the impression it would be an enjoyable experience being a Western Bulldogs ($1.20) supporter. The boys from Whitten Oval play an exciting brand of football and have upset many quality teams this season despite a mounting injury list. The same cannot be said for their opponents in the Tigers ($4.50) with the powerhouse club regularly failing to meet the lofty expectations placed on them by a passionate supporter group. The Tigers were fighting for their season last Friday night against Port Adelaide but after a solid first-quarter outing, they failed miserably and the margin blew out. The Dogs scored a spirited come from behind win over Sydney and will look for another big victory against the Tigers. With Richmond’s season shot and Western Bulldogs regularly playing Etihad Stadium to perfection, do not be surprised to see a big win to the red, blue and white.
Western Bulldogs by 40+ ($2.40)
Melbourne vs. Fremantle (7:40pm Saturday 9 July, TIO Stadium)
With Fremantle ($2.85) already looking to next year, you would have to stick with the home side in this one. Melbourne ($1.40) sit just outside the finals race but coach Paul Roos certainly wouldn’t have given up complete hope of the remote chance his side could sneak in. The Demons are a young side playing exciting and passionate football and their supporters would expect a win here.
Melbourne by 1 – 39 ($2.08)
Carlton vs. Adelaide (1:10pm Sunday 10 July, MCG)
The Blues ($5.30) have struggled in the past couple of weeks after a purple patch of form earlier in the season. They unearthed young father-son gun Jack Silvagni last week and he performed creditably in the face of massive expectation in front of a big crowd last week. But the Crows ($1.15) are one of the form teams of the competition and in the eyes of many a genuine premiership contender.
Adelaide by 40+ ($2.26)
West Coast vs. North Melbourne (3:20pm Sunday 10 July, Subiaco Oval)
This should be an interesting match-up between two sides who sit just outside the premiership periphery. West Coast ($1.36) are a hard side to beat at home and therefore enter the match as deserved favourites by the bookies. But the Eagles have a couple of question marks and have looked shaky at times this season. The Kangaroos ($3.15) play with plenty of spirit and are a genuine chance to win this match, but it is hard to tip against the home side.
West Coast 1 – 39 ($2.06)
Essendon vs. St Kilda (4:40pm Sunday 10 July, Etihad Stadium)
The Saints ($1.13) were terrible last week against the Gold Coast and face no better side to get back on the winners’ list in the Bombers ($6). There has been plenty of improvement in St Kilda this season but its inconsistency is typical of a young and immature playing group. But with that said, expect them to come out hard to prove a point here.
St Kilda 40 + ($1.85)
