Richmond vs. Collingwood (MCG, 7:50pm Friday 5 August)
It is hard to think of a more lacklustre build-up to a showdown between two of the competition’s heavyweights. Collingwood ($1.49) deserve to enter this match as favourites on the back of an impressive win over West Coast at the MCG last week. In contrast, the Tigers ($2.62) have faced massive media scrutiny during the week after a terrible showing against GWS in Sydney. But something tells me the Tigers may click into gear on Friday night. The Magpies are likely to be without promising big man Darcy Moore, which should allow Alex Rance to have more of an influence on the game. It may all come down to the midfield battle: Martin and Cotchin versus Treloar and Pendlebury.
Best bet: Tigers by 1 – 39 ($3.80)
Sydney vs. Port Adelaide (SCG, 1:45pm Saturday 6 August)
The Swans ($1.22) were impeccable last week with star midfielders Josh Kennedy and Dan Hannebery dominating around the clinches. The Power ($4.20) also recorded a massive win, albeit against one of the competition’s basket cases in the Brisbane Lions. This will be a true test of the quality of the Power as the Swans are a genuine premiership threat in this competition. The Power generally play better on bigger grounds were they are able to use their run-and-carry from the back half. But in the confined spaces of the SCG, expect the Swans to smother the opposition in win comfortably
Best bet: Swans -26.5 ($1.90)
Melbourne vs. Hawthorn (MCG, 2:10pm Saturday 6 August)
You just never know what Melbourne ($5.40) are going to bring to the table each week. But the Demons would have to play out of their skins to challenge the competition’s reigning premier. Hawthorn ($1.15) are certainly not invincible, but on the eve of the finals, coach Alastair Clarkson will ensure that his boys do not drop this one.
Best bet: Hawthorn by 1 - 39 ($2.20)
Gold Coast vs. Greater Western Sydney (Metricon Stadium, 4:35pm Saturday 6 August)
The Suns ($6.00) were agonisingly close to victory at the MCG last week and despite the loss should have returned home with plenty of confidence. Tom Lynch is arguably the most dangerous forward in the competition at the moment and his presence will certainly keep the GWS defenders on their toes. But the Giants ($1.12) are quite possibly the best team in the competition at the present and should win this with little resistance.
Best bet: GWS -41.5 ($1.90)
Western Bulldogs vs. North Melbourne (Etihad Stadium, 7:25pm Saturday 6 August)
This should be an exciting fast-paced match-up on Saturday night. The Bulldogs ($2.14) have been absolutely ravaged by injury throughout the season but despite this they have shown a tendency to adapt and put forward impressive performances. North Melbourne ($1.71) looked to have overcome its mid-season form slump but still have many areas to improve on if they are to be considered a genuine premiership threat. I think this game could go either way, and for that reason alone the Bulldogs might be worth a punt to win narrowly.
Best bet: Bulldogs by 1 – 39 ($2.72)
Adelaide vs. Brisbane Lions (Adelaide Oval, 7:40pm Saturday 6 August)
There is only one way this match will go and it will not be good for Brisbane Lions supporters. The Crows ($1.01) are at unbackable odds and rightly so. They will not lose to a Brisbane ($16.75) side that is languishing down the bottom of the ladder.
Best bet: Adelaide -81.5 ($1.90)
Carlton vs. St Kilda (MCG, 1:10pm Sunday 7 August)
The Blues ($2.42) were gallant in defeat last week facing Hawthorn in Tasmania, which is one of the hardest road trips in football. The Saints ($1.56) also failed to reign on Kangaroos champion Brent Harvey’s parade and went down heavily. With both sides searching for a win to encourage their patient and loyal supporter bases, it should be a really intriguing contest. If the game was to be played under the roof at Etihad, you would have to favour the Saints, but the Blue boys thrive at the home of football. Both are young sides so it is hard to tip with any great confidence but I feel that Carlton are value here.
Best bet: Carlton 1–39 ($2.76)
Geelong vs. Essendon (Etihad Stadium, 3:20pm Sunday 7 August)
Geelong ($1.01) have been disappointing against some of the lowly sides this season but they are in no danger here. Speaking of danger, expect star midfielder Patrick Dangerfield to have an absolute picnic on Sunday afternoon. The Bombers ($16.75) have been gallant in what must seem like a season that has dragged on for eternity. I would not be surprised if they reached their line so if you’re feeling daring, chuck a couple of dollars on that.
Best bet: Essendon +69.5 ($1.90)
West Coast vs. Fremantle (Subiaco Stadium, 4:40pm Sunday 7 August)
The traditional Western-derby is always a match played with plenty of passion and sometimes a touch of spite. The Eagles ($1.21) have faced media criticism over their inability to win on the road and this was exacerbated after last week’s loss to Collingwood. The Dockers ($4.40) were annihilated last weekend by the Swans and it is obvious to all that the club is in 2017 planning mode. With this lack of desire to compete solidly for four quarters, I think the Eagles will try to make a statement with a big win here.
Best bet: Eagles 40+ ($2.36)
