Western Bulldogs vs. Collingwood (Etihad Stadium, 7:50pm Friday 12 August)
The Dogs ($1.36) are coming off an impressive win over North Melbourne and enter as firm favourites to continue their solid form on the eve of the finals. Collingwood ($3.10) let one slip last week against the Tigers but should bounce back and put in a better performance this week. With captain Scott Pendlebury in doubt, it is hard to see the Magpies getting a win here.
Best Bet: Western Bulldogs 20.5 ($1.95)
Brisbane vs. Carlton (GABBA, 1:45pm Saturday 13 August)
No one likes to kick a side while they are down but there are not many positives coming from out of the Lions ($3.00) camp. Brisbane have conceded over 50 goals in the past fortnight but will give themselves a chance of causing an upset against Carlton ($1.39). The Blues have taken steps forward this season but were disappointing against St Kilda last weekend. With that being said, the Lions are playing a bunch of kids and it is appearing more certain by the day that coach Justin Leppitsch will not be at the club next season. Expect Carlton to take advantage of the vulnerable Lions and win heavily.
Best Bet: Carlton by 40 + ($3.70)
Port Adelaide vs. Melbourne (Adelaide Oval, 7:40pm Saturday 13 August)
Melbourne’s ($2.66) triumphant win over Hawthorn was one of the good news stories of last week. But unfortunately for the Demons, they have been plagued by inconsistency at stages throughout this season. The same can be said for Port Adelaide ($1.48), who have taken another step backward under coach Ken Hinkley. Last week’s abysmal performance against Sydney will surely fire the Power up to perform in front of a usually vocal home crowd. But the Demons boast an exciting young midfield led by Jack Viney and Dom Tyson and easily have the talent to win this match.
Best Bet: Melbourne by 1 – 39 ($3.25)
Hawthorn vs. North Melbourne (MCG, Melbourne, 2:10pm Saturday 13 August)
North Melbourne ($3.15) are in a precarious position in regards to the top eight so that could inspire a strong showing against the reigning premier this week. But there is no denying that they are a side out of form in comparison to what they showed earlier in the year. To be fair, the Kangaroos have been hit hard by injuries but the Hawks ($1.35) are another side that have had a building injury list. The Hawks lost its first match against Melbourne in a decade last weekend and will be looking to make amends this week. It is very rare to see such a proud team put in two consecutive disappointing efforts, so for that reason alone the Hawks look a sound bet.
Best Bet: Hawthorn by 1 – 39 ($2.10)
Greater Western Sydney vs. West Coast (Spotless Stadium, 4:35pm Saturday 13 August)
The Giants ($1.27) are a far better side at home, while the Eagles ($3.80) have struggled on the road. So it appears as though it is a simple equation really. West Coast had a good win over Fremantle last weekend but have routinely let down their supporters with disappointing performances away from Subiaco. The Giants had an off game last week against Gold Coast but still walked away with the four points, which is a sign of a good side.
Best Bet: GWS by 1 – 39 ($2.22)
St Kilda vs. Sydney (Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, 7:25pm Saturday 13 August)
This is one of the more intriguing matches of the round. St Kilda ($3.30) are clinging on to its slim chances of recording a finals berth and will need to cause an upset here to remain in the hunt. The Saints are still a young side but seem to lift when playing under the roof at Etihad Stadium. But with that being said, the Swans are in tremendous form and I cannot see them being beaten in this one.
Best Bet: Sydney -20.5 ($1.91)
Essendon vs. Gold Coast (Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, 1:10pm Sunday 14 August)
This Sunday afternoon clash sees two of the youngest sides in the competition battle it out with nothing on the line but pride. Essendon ($3.45) are not without a chance but you cannot tip them with any confidence. The Suns ($1.31) would love to record another win away from home as its young group builds with confidence in every game.
Best Bet: Gold Coast 1 – 39 ($2.08)
Richmond vs. Geelong (MCG, 3:20pm Sunday 14 August)
You would be forgiven for thinking that the Tigers ($5.00) are a chance to win two on the trot. There is no doubting that Richmond are a confidence side and last week’s win might have revitalised the Tigers into a strong finish for the season. But with Geelong ($1.17) preparing to play finals football, Chris Scott’s men will do all within their powers to prevent a loss.
Best Bet: Richmond +32.5 ($1.90)
Fremantle vs. Adelaide (Subiaco Oval, 4:40pm Sunday 14 August)
Nothing much to write about here. The Dockers ($8.20) have next season in mind already while the Crows ($1.07) are eyeing off a potential premiership.
Best Bet: Adelaide -44.5 ($1.87)
By: @JClark182
